"We Are Hungry, We Cannot Survive": Iranian Parliament Speaker Warns Economic Deterioration Could Topple Islamic Republic

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Speaker of Iran's Parliament (Majlis), recently issued a rare and direct warning about the country's worsening economic crisis during a meeting with Iranian and Iraqi economists in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq.

He emphasized that even with formidable military power, the Islamic Republic would be unsustainable if the population suffers from hunger and the economy continues to decline.

According to Middle Eastern media outlet Al Bawaba, Qalibaf stressed: "No matter how powerful our military becomes, if we are in a state of hunger, we cannot continue to sustain ourselves." This statement is seen as an unusual public acknowledgment from within Iran's leadership that the economic crisis could directly threaten national security and political stability.

Qalibaf further explained that military strength and economic power are inseparable, functioning like "two wings" that must rely on each other. He stated that without security, investors would not commit capital; however, without economic growth, domestic production, and sufficient income for ordinary citizens, the government cannot maintain security in the long term.

This statement comes against the backdrop of Iran's prolonged struggles with international sanctions, regional conflicts, and massive expenditures on military operations and regional allies—factors that have intensified economic pressure.

Reports indicate that Iran's inflation rate has reached approximately 90%, GDP has significantly contracted, over one million jobs have been lost, and oil exports have nearly dropped to zero due to U.S. naval blockades.

At the same time, Iran continues to allocate substantial resources toward developing ballistic missiles, drones, and other weapons systems, while also supporting armed groups and allies across the Middle East. Qalibaf's remarks suggest growing concern among Iran's leadership that military capabilities alone cannot counteract the increasingly severe domestic economic hardships.

Al Bawaba titled its report "We Are Hungry, We Cannot Survive," highlighting the severity of Qalibaf's warning. Qalibaf, a former commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is widely regarded as a key figure within the conservative political establishment. His open linkage of hunger and economic vulnerability to national security issues has therefore drawn particular attention.

During the meeting, Qalibaf emphasized that for Iran to maintain resilience, it must promote economic growth, attract investment, revitalize financial activities, and boost domestic production. He clearly stated that missiles and military power alone cannot guarantee the survival of Iran's regime; the government must simultaneously build an economic system capable of supporting its people. Without both, he warned, Iran "will not be able to sustain itself."

Editor: Hsu Yung-hsiang

More exclusive Focus News stories: · 1.88 million rials to 1 dollar rendered nearly worthless; essential goods prices surge by 400% — just how dire is Iran's current situation? · Iranian president admits there is no money — Trump: The Strait of Hormuz can be declared U.S. territory; America holds full control · Iran's economy may contract by 10%! 40 million people to fall into poverty — local experts: This is the real cause of collapse