Trump Reportedly Eyes Iran’s Ghalibaf as Potential Future Leader
Washington D.C. – The Trump administration is exploring the possibility of engaging with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, as a potential intermediary in ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran, according to multiple reports. The discussions come as President Trump signaled a willingness to consider a negotiated resolution to the current conflict, a shift from previous policies focused on maximum pressure.
Sources within the administration, cited by Politico, indicate that Ghalibaf is viewed by some within the White House as a reliable counterpart who could potentially lead Iran and negotiate with the U.S. In a subsequent phase of the conflict. Still, officials cautioned that no firm commitment has been made. “He is an compelling option,” one administration official told Politico. “He’s one of the most influential… But we have to test him and we can’t rush.”
The potential for dialogue emerged following a threat from President Trump to target Iran’s energy infrastructure. According to reports, the discussions – described as preliminary and not full-fledged negotiations – were initiated following a deadline set by Trump to begin strikes against Iranian facilities. The Guardian reported that backchannel talks between Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were underway even before Trump’s Monday deadline.
While Trump has asserted that Iran initiated the talks, Ghalibaf initially dismissed the claims as “fake news” intended to stabilize financial markets. In a post on X, Ghalibaf stated that “no negotiations” had taken place with the United States, alleging that reports of talks were a deliberate attempt to manipulate financial and oil markets and deflect blame from the U.S. And Israel. However, the administration continues to explore the possibility of utilizing Ghalibaf as a channel for communication.
The administration’s interest in Ghalibaf appears to be linked to a strategy of identifying a potential leader who could agree to a deal similar to one struck with Venezuela, where a change in leadership facilitated a cooperative agreement regarding oil supplies. According to Politico, one official suggested the administration does not intend to seize the Iranian oil hub of Kharg Island, hoping a future leader will offer a similar arrangement to that secured with Delcy Rodriguez, who assumed power in Venezuela after the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro.
Pakistan has also been involved in diplomatic efforts, with the country’s army chief, Asim Munir, speaking with Trump on Sunday and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif holding talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday. There is a possibility Pakistan could host further talks, potentially including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is reportedly skeptical of military intervention. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has cautioned against expecting a swift resolution to the conflict.
Despite the reported discussions, the situation remains fluid. Ghalibaf’s initial denial of talks underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding any potential negotiations. The White House has not publicly confirmed the extent of its engagement with Ghalibaf, and the future direction of these diplomatic efforts remains uncertain.