As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, Seyed Abbas Araghchi has criticized the United States’ military campaign, mocking what he referred to as “Operation Epic Fury” and warning that Iran still has “many surprises” in store.
In a post on X, Araghchi said the US operation had triggered serious economic consequences.
“Nine days into Operation Epic Mistake, oil prices have doubled while all commodities are skyrocketing,” he wrote, adding that Washington was allegedly planning strikes on Iran’s oil and nuclear facilities in an attempt to control the resulting inflationary shock.
“Iran is fully prepared. And we, too, have many surprises in store,” he added.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 9, 2026
The remarks came as global financial markets reacted to rising tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel. Share markets declined while investors moved funds into the US dollar amid concerns that surging energy prices could push up living costs and interest rates worldwide.
Crude oil prices surged sharply, with futures jumping nearly 30 percent to approach $120 per barrel in one of the largest single-day increases on record. Brent Crude futures were last trading around $104.5 per barrel, while US crude futures were near $101.8.
In a separate development, Iran announced that Mojtaba Khamenei has been named as the successor to his father, Ali Khamenei, signaling that hardline leadership remains firmly in control as the conflict continues.
The decision is unlikely to be welcomed by Donald Trump, who has previously described Mojtaba Khamenei as an “unacceptable” choice for Iran’s future leadership.
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