Iran accuses US officials of media manipulation to sway energy prices

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country's intelligence indicates "concerted efforts to manipulate energy markets."

Araghchi added on his X platform account that "certain US government agencies are exploiting the media to influence energy prices for personal gain."

He noted that "some parties are using the media to keep the US president mired in a losing war, while pro-Israel groups are promoting the conflict with overly optimistic assessments."

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Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that Iran does not seek war but will defend itself against any aggression, emphasizing that internal unity and national cohesion are key to overcoming challenges.

According to Mehr News Agency, Pezeshkian said on Saturday that Iran will stand by its people and safeguard the nation's dignity and pride with all its strength, noting that recent efforts have focused on strengthening unity and cohesion.

He added: "We do not like war, but we will firmly confront aggression and defend ourselves. No power can force a united nation committed to its land to surrender," affirming that Iran will continue to seek solutions through dialogue but "will not yield to threats or aggression."