Pakistan, Aug. 21 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has warned that military strength cannot protect a government if people face hunger.

Speaking in Baghdad, Qalibaf said Iran must prepare to withstand growing US economic pressure and sanctions.

Qalibaf made the remarks while meeting Iranian and Iraqi business leaders at the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad.

He said economic growth and national production were essential for Iran's survival. He also called for planning to overcome what he described as harsh sanctions.

Meanwhile, Qalibaf urged Iran and Iraq to increase bilateral trade using their national currencies. He said this could reduce the role of the US dollar in trade.

He also called for closer Iranian-Iraqi coop...