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Iranian newspapers on Wednesday ridiculed what they called Donald Trump's "lies" about ongoing diplomatic discussions to end the war, publishing cartoons of the U.S. president styled as Pinocchio.
A caricature of Trump with an elongated nose looming over a map of the Strait of Hormuz appeared on the front page of the conservative daily Javan, under the headline "The world's most pathetic and dishonourable liar".
On Monday, just hours before the expiry of an ultimatum he had set, threatening strikes on power plants if Iran did not reopen the strategic strait, Trump unexpectedly announced talks with Tehran. Iranian authorities have since denied the existence of any negotiations, direct or indirect.
Javan accused Trump of lying to calm the markets and push down oil prices, which have surged since Israel and the United States launched hostilities on Feb. 28.
Since Iran's denial, "oil and gas prices have risen once again," the paper noted, comparing Trump to "a gambler in a slump" in a war he believed he could win quickly, like a lucky hand of poker.
The Tasnim news agency also mocked Trump, showing him with dishevelled hair and a defeated expression.
"The politics of lies," headlined Sobh-e No (New Morning), echoing other reactions and commentaries across Iranian media.
The spokesperson for Iran's armed forces also mocked Trump in a video statement widely broadcast on state television, saying that the U.S. president was "negotiating with himself."
On Wednesday, the ISNA agency devoted an article to Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the spokesperson omnipresent on television and described as a "war phenomenon."
Amid warnings in Persian directed at "the enemy" and lists of Iranian military achievements, he sometimes switches to Arabic, Hebrew and even English.
In recent days, Zolfaghari attracted particular attention by altering one of Trump's signature catchphrases to: "Trump, you're fired!"
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan said Wednesday that no negotiations have taken place between Tehran and Washington “so far,” contradicting ongoing speculation about diplomatic contacts.
“No negotiations, direct or indirect, have taken place between Iran and the United States so far,” Reza Amiri-Moghaddam said in remarks reported by the state-run IRNA news agency.
He accused the U.S. of “betraying diplomacy,” adding that Iran has consistently sought dialogue and a peaceful resolution but has been forced to defend itself following the recent escalation.
Amiri-Moghaddam said that while “friendly countries” are engaged in consultations with both sides, these efforts “do not constitute negotiations” but are aimed at creating conditions for future dialogue between Tehran and Washington.
A 15-point U.S. peace plan, delivered via Pakistan, outlines steps addressing Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs as well as maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, according to The New York Times.
The U.S. and Israel have maintained airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing so far over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
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