Qalibaf's Sharp Reaction to Trump: "This is Not a Statement, It is a Projection"

Following recent remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding Iran's economic situation and claims of Tehran's need for grain imports from the United States, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf reacted strongly. In a message published on the X social network, Qalibaf considered Trump's words not a political statement, but a "projection" resulting from domestic crises within the United States [1][2].

Verbal Confrontation Over Food Stamps The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament wrote in his message addressed to Trump: "Imagine a country where more than 40 million of its citizens live on food stamps (SNAP) calling another nation hungry. This is not a statement; this is a projection." He also urged US officials to worry about the rate of malnutrition in their own country instead of offering economic advice to Iran [2]. This verbal clash escalated after Trump claimed in an interview with CNBC that inflation in Iran had reached 300% and that Washington was ready to export wheat and soybeans to Iran if an agreement was reached [2].

Diplomatic Context and New Memorandum These tensions occur while Iran and the United States are advancing a sensitive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reduce tensions following the "Ramadan War." In his recent meetings with officials from Uzbekistan and China, Qalibaf emphasized that the United States must accept the new realities of the region [3][4]. He also announced that Iran and Oman have reached an agreement for the joint management of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which reduces the interventionist role of the US in this strategic waterway [3].

Internal Challenges and Political Pressures Despite his firm stance against Washington, Qalibaf faces criticism at home. Some members of parliament, including Kamran Ghazanfari, have accused him of ignoring the Leadership's advice regarding not entering into nuclear issues during recent negotiations [5]. However, Qalibaf believes that by strengthening strategic relations with Beijing and Muscat, Iran is in a superior position to lift sanctions [4]. These developments take place as Iran mourns the passing of its late leader, and the country's political atmosphere is in a sensitive state of transition [5].