The Trump administration is reportedly exploring Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a potential negotiator – and even a potential future leader – as it signals a shift away from military pressure to negotiated ends.Ghalibaf, 64, who has often issued stern warnings against the US and its allies, is nevertheless seen by some in the White House as a pragmatic insider who could help steer negotiations into the next phase of the conflict, according to a report in Politico, according to two administration officials.
Officials stressed that no final decision has been taken, he said. The administration is assessing a number of figures within Iran’s power structure, effectively “stress testing” potential partners to identify anyone who is willing and able to reach a compromise.“He is a strong choice,” one official said. He said the process remains fluid. “We need to evaluate carefully – we can’t rush into this.”The outreach reflects a growing desire within Washington to find a way out of the conflict that has roiled global markets, sent oil prices soaring and reignited inflation concerns. It also underscores a central question facing U.S. policymakers after a massive blow to Tehran’s leadership: Who comes next in Iran?White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt declined to comment on specifics, calling them “sensitive diplomatic discussions” that would not be conducted through the media.
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Donald Trump earlier this week signaled access to “very solid” data inside Iran and announced a five-day moratorium on attacks targeting energy infrastructure, suggesting an opportunity for diplomacy. He said the two countries were discussing a 15-point framework to end the conflict, with Iran’s top priorities including giving up its nuclear weapons.However, Ghalibaf said that there have been no negotiations between Iran and the United States.Oil remains at the center of the administration’s calculations. Officials say Trump is reluctant to target Kharg Island – Iran’s key oil hub – in the hope that a future leadership arrangement could yield favorable energy deals. One official compared this approach to Washington’s strategy in Venezuela, where cooperation with people close to Nicolas Maduro helped protect oil interests.Still, some in Trump’s circle caution that such expectations may be overly optimistic. He says Iran has shown resilience under pressure and is unlikely to concede easily, especially over strategic assets like oil.Others suggest the President is overstating progress to save time and stabilize markets, especially after issuing the first ultimatum on the Strait of Hormuz.Ghalibaf himself is also surrounded by doubts. Analysts have described him as a deeply entrenched establishment figure – ambitious and pragmatic, but fundamentally committed to preserving Iran’s political system. This is unlikely to yield major concessions from Washington, especially amid growing mistrust between the US and Israel following recent actions.At the same time, the administration appears to be dismissing exiled opposition figures such as Reza Pahlavi, citing concerns over their lack of domestic legitimacy. Instead, the focus remains on insiders who already have influence within Iran’s system.Ghalibaf has publicly denied any negotiations with Washington, although US officials downplayed those comments as a political position.For now, the administration says it is still in the discovery phase – keeping a close eye on who emerges as a viable power broker.“We are trying to find out who can rise and who wants to rise,” said an officer. “And then we test them.” A senior White House official said Trump is keen to ensure progress on the Strait of Hormuz and move toward a ceasefire, stressing that “like anyone, he would prefer peace rather than war.”
