Iran’s Potential Peace Negotiator Known for Strongman Approach

As US President Donald Trump doubles down on his claim that he’s negotiating with Iran to end the war in the Persian Gulf, a conservative politician of the Islamic Republic has emerged as his most likely counterpart.

Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf is Iran’s speaker of parliament, a former mayor of Tehran and an ex-commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Known for his hardline approach to dissent, he’s emerged as one of the most powerful figures in Iran’s wartime leadership structure.