**Title: Iran's Parliament Speaker Denies U.S. Claims on Unfrozen Assets**
**Date: June 25, 2026**
Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who also leads the country's negotiating team in discussions with the United States, has publicly rejected assertions made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the use of Iran's unfrozen assets. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Ghalibaf criticized the claim that these assets would be used exclusively for purchasing American agricultural products.
Ghalibaf's remarks came in response to Trump's statements about an agreement facilitated by Pakistan, which included provisions for financial relief to Iran. Trump had indicated that $500 million in American goods would be part of the initial financial relief package, asserting that no direct cash would reach Iran. Instead, he suggested that the funds would be allocated to buy corn and wheat from U.S. farmers, aimed at addressing what he termed Iran's "hunger problem."
In his rebuttal, Ghalibaf emphasized that the U.S. narrative was misleading, stating, "America falsely claims our unfrozen assets will buy their agriculture." He further remarked that the only "crop" Iran is harvesting is the "decades of mistrust" that the U.S. has cultivated, describing it as "organic, abundant, and homegrown." He criticized U.S. exports, labeling them as "GMO soybeans, broken promises, and trash talk."
The ongoing negotiations have seen both sides attempting to navigate the complexities of the agreement, which began on June 18 with electronic signatures from Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. U.S. Vice President JD Vance echoed Trump's sentiments, stating that if Iranian assets are unfrozen, they would primarily benefit American farmers while also addressing the needs of the Iranian populace.
Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to Bahrain, reiterated that the U.S. aims to secure a deal that would not compromise its own security or that of its regional allies.
In contrast, Iranian media outlets have framed the negotiations as a strategic victory for Tehran. According to reports from the semi-official Mehr News Agency, Ghalibaf characterized the memorandum of understanding (MoU) as a "declaration of U.S. defeat," asserting that it contains no legal obligations for Iran to purchase U.S. commodities.
The discussions surrounding the MoU continue to unfold, with Iran's central bank governor indicating that the funds released under the agreement would not be limited to essential goods, suggesting a broader scope for the use of these assets.
As the negotiations progress, tensions remain high, with both parties seeking to clarify the terms and expectations surrounding the agreement. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for U.S.-Iran relations and the broader geopolitical landscape in the region.