White House weighs Ghalibaf as potential Iran interlocutor, Politico reports
Washington-The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a potential partner and possible future leader of Iran, Politico reported on Monday, citing two U.S. officials.
According to the report, some officials in the White House view Ghalibaf as a pragmatic figure who could engage in negotiations with Washington as the conflict with Iran enters a new phase.
The report said discussions remain preliminary and are being conducted quietly within the administration. Ghalibaf is seen by certain policymakers as a figure capable of navigating Iran’s political structure while maintaining enough authority to enter into talks with the United States.
There was no immediate comment from the White House on the report.Context of rising tensionsThe deliberations come amid escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran, including ongoing military exchanges and heightened regional instability.
The conflict has drawn in multiple actors across the Middle East, increasing the risk of broader escalation.Uncertainty over Tehran’s stanceIt remains unclear how such considerations would be received in Tehran.
Iranian officials have publicly rejected claims of engagement with Washington, with Ghalibaf himself recently denying that any negotiations with the United States have taken place.
