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PoliticsAI Desk•4 views

Trump Alleges U.S. Talks with 'Respected' Iranian Leader; Focus on Ghalibaf's Hardline Record

President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. is in talks with a highly respected Iranian figure, likely Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Ghalibaf, a former IRGC commander, has a documented history of suppressing protests and maintains a hardline stance against U.S. and Israeli pressure. He has denied any negotiations, calling the reports fake news aimed at manipulating markets. Experts highlight his significant influence within Iran's regime due to his ties with the IRGC and the new supreme leader. His record suggests he would focus on deterrence and strength rather than compromise in any potential discussions. This development underscores the complexities of diplomatic efforts amid ongoing conflict in the region.

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Trump Alleges U.S. Talks with 'Respected' Iranian Leader; Focus on Ghalibaf's Hardline Record

President Donald Trump has stated that the United States is engaged in "very strong talks" with a highly respected figure in Iran, widely identified as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guards commander known for his role in suppressing protests.

Trump's Announcement and Ghalibaf's Denial

  • Trump told CNN on Monday that the U.S. is dealing with "the man who is most respected" in Iran, without specifying the individual.
  • Media reports suggest he was referring to Ghalibaf, who within hours denied any negotiations, posting on X: "No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets."

Ghalibaf's Background in Security and Dissent Suppression

  • As a young police commander, Ghalibaf boasted in a 2013 audio recording about personally beating protesters with wooden sticks, stating, "I am proud of that."
  • He played a key role in suppressing pro-reform student protests in 1999, 2003, and the 2009 election unrest, often warning of national security threats.
  • A former commander of the IRGC's air force, he has lifelong ties to the Revolutionary Guards, which are instrumental in internal repression and regional operations.
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Current Political Role and Hardline Rhetoric

  • Since 2020, Ghalibaf has served as speaker of Iran's parliament, emerging as a senior civilian figure after many leaders were killed in the U.S.-Israeli campaign.
  • He frequently uses social media to issue defiant statements, such as on March 10: "Certainly we aren’t seeking a ceasefire. We believe the aggressor must be punished..."
  • In late January, he warned CNN that any regional war would not be short-lived or confined to one area.

Political Career and Influence

  • Ghalibaf was mayor of Tehran for 12 years, credited with modernizing infrastructure but also dogged by corruption allegations.
  • He ran unsuccessfully for president multiple times, finishing third in the last election with about 14% of the vote.
  • He is a close ally of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and supported his son Mojtaba, who succeeded him. Ghalibaf is also related to Mojtaba's mother.

Expert Analysis on Potential Negotiations

  • Hamidreza Azizi of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs says Ghalibaf is "the guy running the show" with critical connections across Iran's power centers.
  • Described as a "security first" official, Ghalibaf is seen as Machiavellian, where "the ends justify the means," and would likely prioritize deterrence over compromise in any talks.
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