Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has called on the United States to acknowledge the transformed geopolitical landscape following the Israeli-US conflict with Iran, suggesting that this shift could pave the way for enhanced trade relations and eventual sanctions relief. He made the remarks during a meeting with Uzbekistan's parliament speaker, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Ghalibaf highlights improved conditions for trade
"Conditions have improved compared to the past, and post-war developments have caused Americans to accept existing realities," Ghalibaf said. "In such an environment, trade relations can be expanded further, and we hope that the groundwork for lifting sanctions will also be prepared." He emphasized that regional dynamics could unlock new avenues for transit and trade cooperation, particularly through joint management of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz with Oman.
"With the joint management of Iran and Oman in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz and the reduction of American mischief in the region, better opportunities will be created for the development of transit cooperation," Ghalibaf added.
Ghalibaf criticizes Trump's remarks on Iran's economy
In a separate exchange, Ghalibaf on Friday criticized US President Donald Trump for comments about Iran's economy and food needs. Trump had stated in a CNBC interview that Iran's economy was severely weakened, citing 300% inflation, and expressed hope to export food commodities like corn, wheat, and soybeans to Iran as part of a potential diplomatic breakthrough. Ghalibaf responded on X, accusing Trump of projecting America's own domestic challenges.
"Imagine having forty-something million of your own citizens on food stamps and calling another nation hungry. This is not a proclamation. This is a projection. Keep your SNAP advice," Ghalibaf wrote. He added, "Our assets, our choices. Mind your malnutrition rates." According to the US Department of Agriculture, as of 2023, over 40 million Americans participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), supporting Ghalibaf's reference.
Nuclear talks and diplomatic progress
Trump also claimed that Iran had agreed to nearly all American conditions in ongoing diplomatic talks, with the primary goal of preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. "I think they've agreed to just about everything we need," Trump said. Meanwhile, Qatar and Pakistan concluded separate meetings with US and Iranian negotiators in Doha on July 1, reporting "positive progress" on issues related to the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), according to a Qatar foreign ministry spokesperson. The spokesperson stated that parties agreed to continue discussions, with the next meeting to be scheduled after the funeral processions of the former Iranian Supreme Leader.
