Iran Leadership In Turmoil, Qalibaf Denies U.S. Talks
1 day ago
Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf is emerging as a potential contact for talks with the United States, even as the country’s leadership faces internal turmoil amid the ongoing war.
Reports suggest Washington may view Qalibaf as a possible negotiating partner following a February 28 strike that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is said to have taken over leadership but has not been seen publicly after reports he was wounded.
Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guard commander and Tehran mayor, has long been a powerful figure in Iran’s political and security establishment. Critics have linked him to past crackdowns and corruption allegations.
On Tuesday, he denied any discussions with the United States are underway. Iranian state-affiliated media also dismissed the reports, calling them a Western attempt to divide Iran.
Reports suggest Washington may view Qalibaf as a possible negotiating partner following a February 28 strike that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is said to have taken over leadership but has not been seen publicly after reports he was wounded.
Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guard commander and Tehran mayor, has long been a powerful figure in Iran’s political and security establishment. Critics have linked him to past crackdowns and corruption allegations.
On Tuesday, he denied any discussions with the United States are underway. Iranian state-affiliated media also dismissed the reports, calling them a Western attempt to divide Iran.
