Iran's Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf Says US Economy Faces 'Specter of Horror'

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that the United States economy is facing a "specter of horror," pointing to a composite image that combines charts on oil and diesel prices, consumer confidence, and housing affordability to form the shape of a ghost. In a statement, Ghalibaf suggested that the economic data alone should be enough to frighten observers, implying that one does not need to wait for Halloween to get a scare from the business section.

Ghalibaf's remarks came in response to claims by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that Operation Economic Outcast is delivering results. According to Bessent, the Iranian rial has plunged to record lows, Iran loaded zero crude oil onto tankers last month, and even Iran's top security official has admitted that the country is facing one of the most difficult periods in its history.

The Iranian parliament speaker also highlighted the presence of David Zervos, newly appointed Special Advisor to Bessent, in the image. Zervos is known as an advocate for interest rate cuts and had vowed not to cut his hair until the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates, Ghalibaf noted.

Ghalibaf's comments appear to be part of an ongoing exchange of economic and political rhetoric between Iran and the United States. While Bessent portrayed the sanctions as effective, Ghalibaf sought to redirect attention to what he described as underlying vulnerabilities in the US economy, using the visual metaphor of a ghost formed by economic indicators.

The report by Mehr News added that the exchange underscores the continued tension between the two countries over economic pressure and sanctions. Neither side provided additional details or evidence beyond the claims made in their respective statements.