Great Tomato Conspiracy

(Tehran, Iran) In order to encourage Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions, the West has launched a conspiracy to drive up the price of tomatoes. That's what President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad apparently believes.

"In order to harm us, they (enemies) make plots, for instance they come and push tomato prices up in the market. They think we will give up our ideals with their plots," Ahmadinejad said in a speech in which he said Iran would not reverse its atomic plans.

Interestingly, Ahmadinejad has deflected criticism in the past by telling consumers to be more budget conscious.

"Come and buy them from the fresh fruit and vegetable market next door to us. Why are you buying them from expensive places?"

Frankly, I believe the tomato conspiracy is only a deceptive ploy. The West is really after Mahmoud's brassy figs.

Kidding aside, Iran spends much more than it earns and inflation, by recent official numbers, runs at 16 percent. Of course there are going to be price increases.