Trump Eyes Iranian Parliament Speaker as Potential Negotiating Partner
President Donald Trump’s administration has quietly considered the speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, as a potential partner and future leader of Iran, according to a report by Politico. The assessment comes as the administration seeks a pathway for potential negotiations amid heightened tensions with Tehran.
Ghalibaf, 64, a former commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and a figure who has repeatedly threatened the U.S. And its allies, is viewed by some in Washington as a possible interlocutor who could lead Iran and engage in talks with the Trump administration, Politico reported, citing two administration officials. The White House, however, is not focused on a single individual, preferring to “test” multiple candidates to identify someone willing to negotiate, the sources said.
“You’ll see some very good candidates for leadership of Iran,” President Trump stated, according to the report, hinting at contact with “very solid” figures within Iran. He too announced a temporary halt to “any military strikes against Iranian oil facilities and energy infrastructure” while diplomatic discussions are underway.
The administration’s interest in identifying a negotiating partner reflects a desire to locate a way out of what Politico describes as a worsening situation with Iran – one that is disrupting global markets, driving up oil prices, and renewing concerns about inflation. It also comes after the U.S. And Israel have targeted key figures within the Iranian leadership, prompting questions about the future direction of the country.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt emphasized that the discussions are “sensitive diplomatic deliberations” and that the U.S. Would not conduct negotiations through the media.
Beyond the diplomatic implications, economic factors are also driving the administration’s approach. According to one source cited by Politico, Trump is reluctant to destroy Iran’s Kharg Island – a crucial oil hub – given that he hopes a future leader will be open to a deal similar to the one reached with Venezuela. This suggests a potential willingness to offer economic concessions in exchange for a resolution to the current standoff.
However, another source connected to the White House suggested that Trump may be exaggerating the progress of negotiations as a means of justifying a reversal of a 48-hour ultimatum he issued, threatening to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened by Monday. “He’s definitely buying time and trying to stabilize the markets,” the source said. “It’s hard to share whether he’s serious about finding a way out or putting forward unrealistic demands so Iran will reject them.”
Trump revealed that Iranians have reached out to him and dismissed the possibility of Russian mediation. A senior White House official indicated that Trump is aiming to reach an agreement with Iran this week, focusing on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a broader cessation of hostilities. The administration’s pursuit of a deal remains uncertain, with the possibility that Trump’s stated willingness to negotiate is a tactic to de-escalate tensions or a genuine effort to find a diplomatic solution.