What did Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei say in response to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's remarks about "suffocating" Iran through economic pressure, and what broader context does this exchange sit within — including President Trump's "semi-negotiatin

Broader context

• Bessent's "suffocating" claim — Bessent said on Fox News on May 3, 2026, that the US is "suffocating" the Iranian regime through an "economic blockade" (the "Economic Fury" campaign) targeting oil revenues, IRGC funding, and naval assets, claiming Iran "cannot pay its soldiers" .
• Trump's "semi-negotiating" posture — On August 9, Trump told Axios the US is "only semi-negotiating" with Iran, saying Washington is "low-keying it" and relying on economic pressure rather than new military strikes . He pointed to Iran's "huge inflation" and lack of money as reasons to wait .
• Strait of Hormuz and the blockade — Iran and Oman are in the "final stages" of drafting an agreement on new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz . However, Tehran insists the waterway will not reopen until the US meets conditions: lifting the naval blockade on Iranian ports, ending sanctions and military threats, and paying compensation . Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi has said there are no direct US-Iran negotiations .
• Iran's position — Iran frames the Hormuz reopening as contingent on US concessions, not a goodwill gesture, and has demanded that the blockade be lifted as a prerequisite . On August 11, Iran also formally rejected a new round of US sanctions, saying Washington's actions undermine the chances of any negotiated resolution .