White House eyes Iran’s parliament speaker Ghalibaf as potential US-backed leader, Politico reports

Some US policymakers see Ghalibaf as a “workable partner” for negotiations

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad ⁠Bagher Ghalibaf speaks in parliament about Iran's response to possible US attacks, in Tehran, Iran Jan 11, 2026. Photo: Reuters

The Trump administration is quietly weighing Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad ⁠Bagher Ghalibaf, as a potential partner, and even a future leader, Politico reported on Monday, citing two administration officials.

Ghalibaf is seen by at least some in the White House as a workable partner who could lead Iran and negotiate with the Trump administration in the war's next phase, the report said.