'40 Million Americans on Food Stamps': Iran's Ghalibaf Mocks Trump's Claim of Iranian Hunger

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TEHRAN: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Saturday strongly rejected US President Donald Trump's assertion that Iran would need American food supplies under any future agreement with Washington, saying the United States should address its own domestic challenges before commenting on Iran's economic situation.

Speaking in an interview with CNBC, Trump claimed that Iran would eventually turn to the United States for agricultural products. "They need food. They need corn and wheat and soybeans, and we're going to have exclusively our American farmers provide," Trump said.

Iran swiftly dismissed the remarks, with Ghalibaf responding on social media. "Imagine having 40-something million of your own citizens on food stamps and calling another nation hungry," he wrote.

He further criticised Trump's comments, saying: "This is not a proclamation. This is a projection. Keep your SNAP advice. Our assets, our choices. Mind your malnutrition rates."

Iran Urges US to Accept 'New Realities'

Ghalibaf also said the regional landscape had changed significantly following the recent conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, arguing that Washington must recognise the new geopolitical realities.

During a meeting with Uzbekistan's parliamentary speaker, he said the circumstances after the conflict had compelled the United States to reassess its approach toward Tehran.

"Conditions have improved compared to the past," Ghalibaf said, adding that Washington would eventually have to accept the "existing realities" in the region.

He expressed hope that changing circumstances could create opportunities for expanded trade and eventually help pave the way for the easing of sanctions.

Prospects for Regional Cooperation

The Iranian parliament speaker also highlighted the potential for increased regional economic cooperation, particularly regarding the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

He said closer cooperation between Iran and Oman, along with a reduction in external tensions in the region, could create better conditions for trade and transit projects. "We hope that the groundwork for lifting sanctions will also be prepared," he said.

Trump Says Iran Wants to 'Settle'

Meanwhile, President Trump said Tehran was eager to reach an understanding with Washington. Speaking during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, Trump said: "They are dying to settle; they want to settle so badly."

Referring to the funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Trump added: "We gave them a week off for a funeral because we are nice." He also claimed that the United States had dealt a significant blow to Iran during recent hostilities.

War of Words Continues

The latest exchange underscores the continuing verbal sparring between Tehran and Washington despite periodic speculation about possible diplomatic engagement.

Iranian officials have repeatedly insisted that the country will determine its economic and strategic policies independently and reject any suggestion that it relies on American assistance, while the United States continues to signal that it remains open to a broader settlement with Tehran. The sharp rhetoric from both sides comes amid persistent regional tensions and uncertainty over the future direction of US-Iran relations.