Top US lawmaker Mike Johnson says lying is part of some Iranians’ religion

What the report says

US House Speaker Mike Johnson has drawn criticism after telling reporters that some Iranians are dishonest because it is “part of their religion,” comments he made while defending President Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel in war against Iran. Al Jazeera reported that Johnson praised Trump’s leadership and argued the conflict was needed because Iran could not be trusted in negotiations and was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon.

The remarks came amid growing public backlash to the war, which Al Jazeera said has been unpopular in the United States. The outlet cited a University of Massachusetts poll showing 54 percent of Americans disapprove of US military action against Iran. It also noted concerns that the conflict could hurt Republicans in the November midterm elections and worsen economic pressure through higher energy prices.

Al Jazeera said Johnson’s office did not respond to a request for comment. The report also highlighted a tension between the administration’s justification for the war and earlier US intelligence assessments. It quoted former intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard saying Iran was not building a nuclear weapon and that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had not authorized such a programme. The broader dispute matters because it touches on US foreign policy, sectarian rhetoric, and the regional risks tied to fighting over Iran, the Strait of Hormuz and global oil flows.