17/06/2026
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17/06/2026
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TEHRAN, Jun 17: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Wednesday called for a shift in national priorities from confrontation to economic development, urging policymakers to focus on easing economic pressures and accelerating the country's growth.
Speaking at a meeting on China-related economic policy with Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Ghalibaf said the country must move beyond a security-focused approach and concentrate on improving living conditions for its citizens.
“We must take over the trench from the launcher boys, lift people out of economic pressure and build the country,” he said, in remarks widely interpreted as a call to prioritize economic progress over conflict-driven policies.
Ghalibaf, who has been involved in Iran’s negotiations with the United States, described China as a strategic and unique trading partner for the Islamic Republic. He stressed the importance of strengthening ties with Beijing and ensuring that China views Iran as a reliable long-term partner.
“China must believe that Tehran is a partner in the full sense,” he said, emphasizing the need for deeper economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries.
The parliament speaker also outlined a broader regional vision, saying that any future economic or political bloc involving Persian Gulf littoral states would “certainly” be centered on cooperation between China and the Islamic Republic.
His comments come as Iran seeks to strengthen economic ties with Asian partners amid ongoing sanctions and efforts to revive growth through expanded trade, investment and regional connectivity projects. Ghalibaf’s remarks signal a growing emphasis within parts of Iran’s leadership on economic development and international partnerships as key priorities for the country’s future.
