Amid ongoing tensions, the United States is signalling a possible shift from military pressure to diplomacy in its approach towards Iran. US President Donald Trump has extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt attacks on energy infrastructure, while also hinting at backchannel talks with a senior Iranian figure.
Trump said Washington has been in discussions with a ‘respected’ Iranian leader and claimed that Tehran is interested in reaching a deal. However, he did not disclose the identity of the individual, only clarifying that the US has not engaged with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
Washington considers new leadership option in Tehran
According to a report by Politico, the US is exploring the possibility of working with Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a potential negotiating partner and even as a future leader in Iran.
The report suggests that some officials within the White House see Ghalibaf as someone capable of leading Iran and engaging with the Trump administration in the next phase of the conflict. However, sources also made it clear that no final decision has been taken.
One official described him as a ‘strong option,’ but added that the administration is evaluating multiple possibilities rather than focusing on a single figure.
Talks could take place in Pakistan
Separate reports by Reuters and The Jerusalem Post, citing sources, claimed that Ghalibaf may already be representing Iran in backchannel discussions.
These reports also indicated that talks aimed at ending the conflict could take place in Pakistan as early as this week, highlighting a possible diplomatic opening despite the ongoing tensions.
Who is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, 64, is considered one of the most influential figures in Iran’s political system. He has held several key positions over the years, including serving as the Mayor of Tehran and as a senior commander in the Revolutionary Guard.
As the current parliamentary speaker, Ghalibaf plays a major role in Iran’s power structure. He is associated with bodies like the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Economic Coordination Council, both of which are central to decision-making in the country.
He was re-elected as parliamentary speaker on May 27, 2025. Known as a conservative leader, Ghalibaf has also been linked to crackdowns on student protests in 1999 and 2003.
During the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, he served in the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. After the war, he led the Guard’s construction arm, Khatam al-Anbia, contributing to rebuilding efforts. He later headed the Guard’s air force and went on to lead Iran’s police force, where he introduced modern systems, including the nationwide 110 emergency helpline.
Ghalibaf has also contested presidential elections multiple times, in 2005, 2013 and 2017, but did not succeed. In 2017, he withdrew from the race in support of Ebrahim Raisi, who later became president and died in a helicopter crash on May 19 along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and six others.
Ghalibaf rejects US claims, criticises Trump
Despite reports of potential talks, Ghalibaf has strongly denied any negotiations between Iran and the United States. He dismissed Trump’s statements, accusing the US President of trying to manipulate global financial and oil markets with such claims.
On Monday, he openly criticised Trump, saying no discussions were taking place between Tehran and Washington.
Strong remarks on global politics and Gaza
In a separate statement on Tuesday, Ghalibaf made sharp remarks about global alignments, particularly in relation to Gaza. He said the world is divided between those who support Gaza and what he referred to as the ‘Epstein class.’
In a post on X, he wrote that Iran is ‘fighting for humanity’ and claimed there is no middle ground, either countries stand with Gaza against what he called a colonial regime or they align with exploitative forces.
