“Psychological Warfare”: Iranian Speaker Accuses Trump of Manipulating Markets with “Fake” Ceasefire Claims
TEHRAN — In a sharp rebuttal to the White House, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has accused President Donald Trump of using “out of context quotes” and “manufactured FOMO” (Fear Of Missing Out) to engage in global war profiteering. Speaking on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Ghalibaf dismissed the President’s earlier claim that Iran had requested a ceasefire, labeling it a tactical maneuver designed to manipulate volatile oil and financial markets.
The statement adds a layer of intense psychological warfare to the physical conflict, just hours before the President’s scheduled 9:00 PM ET address to the American people.
1. The “Market Manipulation” Allegation
Ghalibaf’s critique centers on the economic impact of the President’s rhetoric. Since the start of Operation Epic Fury, global energy markets have been in a state of hyper-volatility, with oil prices swinging wildly based on social media posts from Washington.
- Manufacturing FOMO: Ghalibaf argued that the U.S. is creating a “false sense of progress” to stabilize domestic markets and provide cover for defense contractors and energy speculators. “The enemy uses manufactured FOMO to drive up their stocks while our infrastructure is under fire,” Ghalibaf stated in a message carried by the official IRNA news agency.
- Out of Context Quotes: Tehran contends that any diplomatic “messages” mentioned by the U.S. were either older communications or mid-level exchanges regarding humanitarian corridors, not a request for a total ceasefire.
- The “Quagmire” Narrative: Ghalibaf reiterated that Iran is prepared for a “long, global war” and that Trump’s claims of a desperate Iranian leadership are “pure fiction” intended to escape the political fallout of $4-a-gallon gas.
2. Tehran’s Official Stance: “No Negotiations”
The Parliament Speaker’s comments were echoed by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, which called the ceasefire report “false and baseless.”
- Deterrence over Dialogue: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated earlier today that “there are no grounds for negotiations” as long as U.S. and Israeli strikes continue. “You cannot speak to the people of Iran in the language of threats and deadlines,” Araghchi told Al Jazeera.
- Unity in the “Critical Stage”: Ghalibaf called for national unity, warning that the war is entering its “most critical stage.” He hinted that if the U.S. proceeds with the rumored ground attack, Iranian forces are “waiting to set them on fire.”
- Refusal of the 15-Point Plan: Tehran has formally rejected the reported U.S. “15-point proposal,” which includes the total reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and new nuclear concessions.
3. The Information War: Fact vs. Fiction
| Source | Claim (April 1, 2026) | Status / Context |
| Donald Trump | “Iran President… just asked the U.S. for a CEASEFIRE!” | Unverified; No corroboration from neutrals. |
| Ghalibaf (Iran) | “Fake news… designed to manipulate oil markets.” | Official Denial; Frames Trump as “Market Manipulator.” |
| International Media | Markets rallied 2-4% on ceasefire news. | Verified; Confirms the “War Profiteering” narrative. |
| Swiss Channel | Confirms exchange of “messages” occurred. | Ambiguous; Specific content remains classified. |
Analysis: The “Truth” as a Battlefield
Ghalibaf’s use of modern financial terms like “FOMO” and “War Profiteering” suggests a strategic attempt to appeal to a global audience—and a skeptical American public—concerned about the economic motives behind the war. By framing Trump as an unreliable narrator who uses “fake news” to boost the S&P 500, Iran is attempting to erode the President’s credibility ahead of his 9:00 PM speech.
As the April 6 deadline approaches, the world is left in a state of strategic confusion. Is Iran truly “desperate” for a deal as Trump claims, or is Tehran betting that the global energy crisis—described today by the IEA as worse than the 1970s—will eventually force the U.S. to blink first?