Trump Eyes Iran Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as US-Backed Leader.

The Trump administration is quietly evaluating Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a potential US-backed leader and negotiating partner amid the ongoing conflict.

“Vall explained that Tehran harbours deep suspicion regarding any messaging from Washington, viewing Trump’s claims of peace talks as “manoeuvring” aimed at “winning time””

Al Jazeera

Politico reported that some White House officials view Ghalibaf as a workable partner who could lead Iran and negotiate with the Trump administration in the war's next phase.

Al Jazeera

NDTV corroborated these reports, citing two administration officials who confirmed Trump's interest in Ghalibaf as both a potential partner and future leader.

The administration's interest reflects a desire to find a way out of the Iranian quagmire that has jolted world markets and spiked oil prices.

Officials hope to stress test multiple candidates as they look for someone willing to make a deal.

Ghalibaf's background as a former Tehran mayor and current parliament speaker makes him an attractive figure in some circles, though analysts question his suitability as a pliable US partner.

The Guardian describes him as a 'quintessential insider: ambitious and pragmatic, yet fundamentally committed to the preservation of Iran's Islamist order.'

Anadolu Agency

His roots in the IRGC include commanding the 5th Nasr division during the Iran-Iraq war and later serving as head of police from 2000.

His supporters point to Tehran's development during his mayoralty from 2005-2017, including metro expansion.

Critics highlight his social conservatism and history of repressing dissent, including his involvement in suppressing 1999 student protests.

Despite his pragmatic streak, analysts suggest he lacks the international sophistication of previous Iranian leaders and would face constraints from Iran's security establishment.

Contradictory reports have emerged regarding the status of negotiations between Tehran and Washington, with some sources suggesting Ghalibaf is leading talks while others flatly deny any contact.

“ANI |Updated:Mar 23, 2026 22:49 IST Tehran[Iran], March 23 (ANI): Speaker ofIran's Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, on Monday slammed US President Donald Trump, rejecting the latter's claims regarding ongoing negotiations betweenTehranandWashington, asserting that no such talks have taken place”

ANI News

The Jerusalem Post reported citing a source that Ghalibaf is 'leading talks with the United States' as the two sides discuss a possible deal.

Iran International also pointed to Ghalibaf as the key figure representing Iran in discussions.

These claims are directly contradicted by Ghalibaf himself, who posted on X that 'No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets.'

The Daily Beast noted that 'moments after his post, Iran's Fars news agency cited unnamed Iranian sources claiming there was no direct communication with the U.S.'

The Indian Express reported that Ghalibaf 'rejected the US President's claims, stating that the remarks were made to manipulate the financial and oil markets.'

Iran's Foreign Ministry has firmly dismissed Trump's claims of ongoing negotiations, calling them misleading and politically motivated.

Anadolu Agency reported that the ministry stated 'Trump's remarks were aimed at buying time for further US military operations and influencing global energy prices during a period of volatility.'

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The ministry maintained that 'Iran is not engaged in any direct or indirect negotiations with the United States.'

This position was echoed by i24NEWS, which quoted Iran's Security Committee spokesman Ibrahim Rezaei dismissing Trump's statements as 'lying or talking nonsense.'

The Daily Beast analysis suggested Trump's statements about 'productive' conversations came 'merely hours ahead of a deadline that threatened further escalation in the Middle East.'

Despite Tehran's denials, diplomatic channels may still be active behind the scenes, with reports suggesting Pakistan is positioning itself as a mediator.

The broader context reveals Trump's strategic interest in finding a compliant Iranian leader similar to Venezuela's Delcy Rodríguez.

“Iran rejected claims that it held talks with the United States, directly contradicting US President Donald Trump’s assertion that “very good and productive conversations” were underway to end the conflict”

Business Today

According to Politico, Trump doesn't want to take out Kharg Island, Iran's major oil hub, because he hopes the next leader will make a deal similar to the one made by Rodríguez.

Business Today

An administration official stated: 'It's all about installing someone like a Delcy Rodríguez in Venezuela that we say, 'We're going to keep you there. You're going to not take you out. You're going to work with us. You're going to give us a good deal, a first deal on the oil.'

This approach has been criticized as 'posturing' and potentially 'naive,' with one person suggesting Trump 'is trying to speak something into existence.'

The Guardian analysis notes that Ghalibaf 'lacks the sophistication of Ali Larijani, the previous secretary of the supreme national security council.'

He would face constraints from Iran's multilayered political system where power ultimately lies with the supreme leader.