Tehran, Iran — Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticised US sanctions threats as Iranian officials vowed to counter new economic pressure.
Ghalibaf Mocks US Sanctions Threat With Frozen Economy Jibe
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has ridiculed the United States after President Donald Trump signalled a renewed economic pressure campaign against Tehran. In a post on X, Ghalibaf used a sarcastic “frozen economy” analogy to argue that sanctions and short-term interventions cannot resolve deeper economic problems.
Ghalibaf’s remarks came amid escalating rhetoric between Washington and Tehran over possible new sanctions. Trump has said the United States could impose what he described as severe measures and urged allies to support efforts to isolate Iran economically.
The Iranian speaker’s post mocked the idea that complex economic problems could be fixed through temporary or artificial measures. He used examples related to food prices, bonds, housing and wages before concluding that a “frozen foreign policy” would produce a “frozen economy.”
He also shared a meme portraying what he called the “Iran boomerang,” suggesting that a US economic pressure campaign could ultimately rebound against Washington. The post reflects Tehran’s broader position that sanctions have failed to force Iran to change its policies.
Ghalibaf Mocks Pressure As Iran Rejects Economic Warfare
Iranian officials have repeatedly described US sanctions as economic warfare and argued that the country has faced similar restrictions for decades. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson Sardar Mohebi said Washington’s reliance on economic measures showed, in his view, that the United States had failed to achieve its goals through military pressure.
Speaking to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, Mohebi said Tehran had plans to respond to every hostile action, including economic restrictions. He also claimed that Iran could manage the effects of sanctions and maintain economic ties with other countries.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei similarly said that sanctions and war were not unfamiliar to Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called renewed US threats a recurring pattern and said Washington would eventually have to deal with Iran respectfully.
These statements are part of a coordinated response by Iranian officials seeking to project confidence as the possibility of additional US measures hangs over the country’s economy. Iran remains subject to extensive sanctions affecting sectors including banking, energy, shipping and trade.
US Sanctions Threat Raises Stakes For Tehran And Washington
Trump has described the proposed campaign as economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale. He said the US had powerful sanctions tools available and that further announcements could follow depending on developments.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also warned that Washington was preparing what he called the toughest sanctions in history. He urged US allies to join a coordinated effort to increase pressure on Tehran and said more details of the administration’s approach would be revealed at an upcoming media briefing.
The sanctions threat has renewed concern about the potential impact on oil markets, regional trade and diplomatic efforts. Any broader restrictions on Iran’s energy exports or financial channels could affect global crude supplies and raise tensions across the Middle East.
Ghalibaf Mocks US Move As Sanctions Battle Intensifies
The exchange highlights the increasingly confrontational tone between the two governments. Washington is seeking to increase economic pressure on Tehran, while Iranian leaders insist they have developed ways to withstand restrictions and maintain overseas economic links.
The effectiveness of any new sanctions will depend on their scope, enforcement and the willingness of US allies and trading partners to participate. Iran’s response, including possible efforts to redirect trade and strengthen ties with other markets, will also shape the outcome.
For now, Ghalibaf’s post has added a sharp rhetorical edge to a serious economic dispute. The coming US announcement will be closely watched for details on whether Washington introduces fresh restrictions, expands existing measures or coordinates new action with allies.
