Iran's Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Ghalibaf has categorically dismissed claims that Iran would be required to use its unfrozen assets to purchase US agricultural products. According to reports from NDTV Profit, Ghalibaf made this denial in a social media post on X, directly addressing allegations that the release of Iranian frozen assets would be tied to imports of US agricultural products. The denial comes as Washington has made claims about Iran's potential use of unfrozen assets for US agricultural purchases, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterating remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump that a large portion of Iran's unfrozen assets would be used to purchase American food and medicine. President Trump and other administration officials said the U.S., following late-stage talks in Switzerland, would release Iranian assets to help the country buy corn, wheat and soybeans and alleviate humanitarian concerns. However, Trump recently posted on Truth Social that the money would be placed into an escrow controlled by the U.S.A. and used exclusively for purchasing food and medical supplies from the United States, including corn, wheat, and soybeans from American farmers.
In his latest social media statement, Ghalibaf framed the United States as an unreliable partner for international relations, stating that the country has fostered 'decades of mistrust' in its dealings with Iran. As reported by NDTV Profit, the Iranian official characterized the US as exporting only 'GMO soybeans, broken promises and trash talks' while Iran cultivates 'organic, abundant and homegrown' relationships with other nations. Ghalibaf's latest statement reinforces this position, writing on social media platform X: 'Interesting. The only crop we're harvesting is what you planted: decades of mistrust. It's organic, abundant, and homegrown,' adding that 'But apparently the U.S. only exports GMO soybeans, broken promises, and trash talks.' Spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei, has also denied these claims, further reinforcing Iran's position.
The denial comes amid ongoing tensions between the two nations, with Ghalibaf specifically calling out US President Donald Trump for what he termed 'trash talks'. According to NDTV Profit, the Iranian official's statement represents a direct response to allegations about Iran's potential use of unfrozen assets for US agricultural purchases, highlighting the strained diplomatic relationship between the two countries. The latest social media post further emphasizes the deteriorating bilateral relationship, with Ghalibaf's characterization of US exports as limited to 'GMO soybeans, broken promises and trash talks'. Iran has maintained its position that it will decide for itself how the funds are spent, contradicting US claims about mandatory purchases. The push for Iran to buy U.S. farm products was part of the first round of late-stage peace talks between Vice President J.D. Vance and Iranian officials.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that the initial tranche of unfrozen funds would be released in Qatar, with U.S. Treasury officials sitting in Doha to oversee how the money is allocated. As reported by CNBC's Squawk Box, Bessent stated that 'a very large percent of it will go to buy U.S. foodstuffs and medicines,' explaining that 'So we will be recycling the money back into U.S. products.' The U.S. and Iran are trying to finalize a lasting peace agreement that settles thorny issues around Iran's nuclear program and permanently ends the Middle East conflict that started with U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28. However, Iran offered conflicting accounts of the talks earlier this week, saying it had no interest in U.S. farm goods and that it had not agreed to let U.S. inspectors see its nuclear sites.
