Mike Johnson Says Lying Is Part of Some Iranians’ Religion, Drawing Backlash

US House Speaker Mike Johnson has sparked controversy after suggesting that lying is part of the religion of some Iranians, as he defended President Donald Trump’s decision to wage war against Iran.

Johnson made the comments while speaking to reporters on Tuesday as the conflict between the United States and Iran entered another dangerous phase. Al Jazeera reports that he was discussing why Iranian statements and assurances should not be trusted.

Johnson Questions Iranian Credibility

Johnson argued that some Iranian leaders cannot be trusted because, in his characterization, deception is connected to their religious beliefs.

The remarks have drawn criticism because they appear to generalize from the behavior or statements of Iranian officials to Iranians and their religion more broadly.

The comments come as Washington and Tehran remain locked in a major military confrontation, with the Trump administration continuing to defend its decision to strike Iran.

Comments Come Amid Escalating Iran War

Johnson has been a prominent supporter of Trump’s Iran policy. He has previously argued that US military involvement was necessary to protect American interests and has defended the administration’s broader approach toward Tehran.

The latest comments come as fighting has resumed following a period of relative calm. The Associated Press reports that US forces launched new strikes against Iranian military and maritime targets, while Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against US forces in Jordan and elsewhere in the region.

Religious Claims Spark Criticism

Johnson’s remarks have prompted criticism from commentators who say that attributing dishonesty to a religion risks reinforcing stereotypes about Muslims and Iranians.

The controversy also echoes earlier comments by Johnson describing Islam as a “misguided religion.” Those remarks were criticized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which called the rhetoric inappropriate for the Speaker of the US House of Representatives.

Iran and US Remain Far Apart

The comments come as diplomatic efforts face major obstacles.

Iran and the United States continue to disagree over the war, sanctions, Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Any renewed negotiations are likely to face significant challenges as military operations continue.

For Johnson, the remarks represent another forceful defense of the Trump administration’s Iran policy. For critics, however, they raise concerns about the use of religious generalizations during an already highly polarized conflict.