US Seeks Control of Iranian Oil, Not Peace – Envoy to Nigeria

US Seeks Control of Iranian Oil, Not Peace – Envoy to Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria — The Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, has accused the United States of using the ongoing Middle East conflict to secure control over Iran’s energy reserves, describing Washington’s actions as driven by hegemonic ambitions. His comments were made on Trust TV’s Daily Politics on Monday and reflect Tehran’s view that US policy prioritizes oil dominance over peacebuilding.

Raja said the recent US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran are part of a broader strategy to weaken the country and seize its oil-rich territories. “The main aim of the United States and the Zionist regime for such brutal and unprovoked aggression is to seize Iranian energy reserves. The Zionist regime seeks Iran’s disintegration—they announced it themselves,” he stated. Despite repeated attacks on infrastructure, Raja emphasized that Iran’s government continues to function normally and that the Iranian people remain united in defending their sovereignty.

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The ambassador rejected any external interference in Iran’s political affairs, particularly regarding the appointment of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He said, “Iran is an independent country. We make our own decisions without outside interference,” countering claims of US influence over Tehran’s leadership succession.

On the humanitarian impact of the conflict, Raja accused US missiles of hitting civilian targets, including a school in Minab City, claiming many children were killed. He insisted that Iranian strikes target only military bases, while Washington and Israel allegedly conduct “false flag operations” to blame Tehran.

Raja also denied accusations that Iran sponsors terrorism in Nigeria, stating that its relations with the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) are purely spiritual and cultural, dismissing Israeli claims as politically motivated. He emphasized that Iran is willing to assist Nigeria in combating extremism, citing shared concerns over groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Addressing global energy concerns, the ambassador warned that further military escalation could destabilize the region and drive global oil prices higher. He refuted reports of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that Tehran’s goal is defense, not disruption of international energy flows. Raja’s comments come amid a broader conflict that began after joint US‑Israeli strikes in February 2026, which triggered regional tensions and disrupted global energy markets. Analysts say the situation underscores US-Iran tensions, the struggle over energy dominance, and the potential for wider Middle East instability.

US Seeks Control of Iranian Oil, Not Peace – Envoy to Nigeria