Iranian Consul General in Mumbai Dismisses Trump’s ‘Collapse’ Claims as Propaganda

Iran’s Consul General Dismisses Economic Concerns Amid US Blockade Threats

Iran’s Consul General in Mumbai, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh, has firmly rejected claims about Tehran’s economic and political instability, characterizing statements made by US President Donald Trump as arising “either from misperceptions or from propaganda considerations.”

In an exclusive interview, Motlagh addressed allegations regarding financial losses and diplomatic pressure facing the Islamic Republic. “I have not encountered any credible source supporting the assertion that Iran is incurring daily losses of such magnitude,” he stated, directly challenging the narrative of economic collapse.

The diplomat’s comments come at a time of heightened tension, with President Trump expressing significant dissatisfaction with Tehran’s recent diplomatic initiatives. Trump has insisted that Washington will not proceed with negotiations unless Iran addresses nuclear concerns directly, claiming that Iran had indicated it was in a “state of collapse” and consequently pushing for the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Trump has emphasized the global security implications, warning that if Iran were to acquire nuclear capabilities, “the whole world would be held hostage.”

Responding to the prospect of an economic blockade, Motlagh cautioned that such measures would prove counterproductive. “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 explained.

The Consul General pointed to economic indicators in Western nations as evidence of this interconnected impact. “We are already witnessing increases in fuel prices, energy costs, and general consumer expenses in the United States,” he noted, suggesting that such punitive economic measures represent an attempt to “navigate domestic challenges” but will “ultimately prove ineffective and unfavourable.”

Meanwhile, reports from The Wall Street Journal indicate the US administration is preparing for an extended period of economic confrontation. According to these reports, Trump has directed his team to develop plans for a sustained naval blockade of Iran—a strategy designed to cripple the Iranian economy and oil exports by strictly controlling maritime access to its ports. The publication suggests that the President views this blockade as a more effective and lower-risk alternative to renewed military strikes or complete disengagement.

Addressing diplomatic developments, Motlagh clarified the nature of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent international engagements. He denied that a specific negotiation team had been dispatched for talks, explaining that the Minister conducted a “regional tour that included visits to Pakistan, Oman, and Russia” as part of normal diplomatic relations.

These diplomatic moves follow Iran’s proposal for an immediate ceasefire in West Asia and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—a waterway critical to global oil shipments. Notably, Iran’s proposal attempted to defer discussions on its nuclear program, missile technology, and existing sanctions regimes.

Regional responses to Iran’s actions have remained firm. In a recent meeting in Saudi Arabia, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders formally rejected what they termed Iran’s “illegal actions” regarding the closure of the strait and threats to maritime passage. The bloc advocated for stronger military integration, specifically calling for the development of a ballistic missile early warning system.

When questioned about regional security and ceasefire violations in Lebanon, the Consul General criticized Israel, asserting that it “has repeatedly failed to adhere to its commitments.” On the subject of reported oil-related tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Motlagh maintained that the matter was “primarily concerning the countries involved” and that Tehran has “neither been involved in nor interfered in this matter.”

Sharing personal observations from a recent visit to Iran, the diplomat described witnessing a “combination of an ordinary way of life with a sense of epic resilience.” He 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.”