Mumbai, April 29 (ANI): Iran’s Consul General in Mumbai, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh, dismissed assertions about Tehran’s economic and political collapse, saying such claims by US President Donald Trump often arise “either from misperceptions or from propaganda considerations.”
Speaking to ANI, Motlagh said he had “not encountered any credible source supporting the assertion that Iran is incurring daily losses of such magnitude,” responding to reports of severe financial and diplomatic pressure on the Islamic Republic.
President Trump has expressed strong dissatisfaction with Tehran’s recent diplomatic moves, saying Washington will not pursue talks unless the nuclear issue is addressed directly. Trump also asserted that Iran was in a “state of collapse” and was pressing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as possible,” warning that if Iran obtained nuclear arms “the whole world would be held hostage.”
Motlagh cautioned that any attempt at an economic blockade would be counterproductive, noting that “even if such a scenario were hypothetically true, it would not be a constructive course of action, as it would lead to widespread negative consequences not only for Iran but for the global economy, including the United States itself.” He pointed to rising costs in the West—fuel, energy, and general consumer expenses in the US—as evidence of spillover effects, suggesting such measures aim to “navigate domestic challenges” but will “ultimately prove ineffective and unfavourable.”
The Wall Street Journal has reported that the US administration is preparing for a prolonged economic confrontation, with Trump instructing his team to plan for a sustained blockade intended to cripple Iran’s economy and oil exports by controlling maritime access to its ports. The report said the President views a blockade as a more effective, lower-risk option than renewed aerial strikes or total disengagement.
Motlagh clarified that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent visits to Pakistan, Oman, and Russia were part of a regional tour and did not constitute a specific negotiation team, calling such trips “common for foreign ministries.” He referred to Iran’s proposal for an immediate ceasefire in West Asia and restoration of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, noting the plan sought to defer discussions on its nuclear programme, missile technology, and sanctions.
Regional reactions remain firm. Gulf Cooperation Council leaders, meeting in Saudi Arabia, rejected what they called Iran’s “illegal actions” regarding the strait and pushed for greater military integration, including a ballistic missile early warning system.
On Lebanon, Motlagh accused Israel of repeatedly failing to honour commitments amid ceasefire violations. He also said tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia over oil were “primarily concerning the countries involved” and that Tehran had “neither been involved in nor interfered in this matter.”
Describing a recent visit to Iran, the Consul General spoke of “an ordinary way of life with a sense of epic resilience” and affirmed that the country’s Supreme Leader is “alive, in good health, and fully in control of affairs,” dismissing contrary reports as attempts to “undermine public morale.” (ANI)
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