Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf: Iran’s Key Figure in US Peace Negotiations
Iran and the United States are scheduled to sign a temporary peace agreement this Friday, June 19, in Switzerland, according to reports following months of intermittent negotiations. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Majlis, is officially leading the Iranian negotiating delegation, marking a significant elevation in his political standing.
RS Muhammad Sahimi, a professor at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, reports that Ghalibaf’s rise is tied to a career characterized by shifting favor among the Iranian leadership and the public. While Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi managed much of the negotiation process, Ghalibaf now holds the primary leadership role for the delegation.
Why was Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf chosen to lead negotiations?
Ghalibaf serves as a compromise candidate between various Iranian political factions due to his combined military, academic, and political background, according to Sahimi. He maintains deep connections with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), having previously been close to the late General-Lieutenant Qasem Soleimani.
The appointment also provides a counterweight to the “Islamic Front for Stability in Iran” (IISF), which opposes negotiations with the U.S. Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian and his allies support Ghalibaf’s role to neutralize the most hardline elements of the IISF.
What is Ghalibaf’s military and political record?
Ghalibaf joined the Basij militia after the 1979 Revolution and later served in the IRGC during the war with Iraq, where he commanded the 5th “Nasr” and 25th “Karbala” divisions. He rose to the rank of Brigadier General and served as the commander of the IRGC air forces from 1997 to 2000.
His domestic record includes serving as the commander of the national police in 2001 and Mayor of Tehran for four terms between 2005 and 2017. Sahimi notes that Ghalibaf helped suppress university uprisings in 1999 and student demonstrations in 2003, the latter of which involved threats against protesters.
During his tenure as mayor and his time in the Majlis, Ghalibaf has faced multiple allegations of nepotism and corruption. He has previously described himself as a technocrat, though he abandoned the term in 2013 after it was criticized by the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
How does this agreement affect Iran’s internal power structure?
The current diplomatic shift may accelerate the decline of the IISF, which is losing authority due to its opposition to internet access, social freedoms, and U.S. talks. Traditional conservatives and reformists hope Ghalibaf will isolate the IISF and end its control over national financial institutions.
Ghalibaf also maintains close ties to the “Beit-e Rahbari” (the Supreme Leader’s residence). This positioning, combined with support from pragmatic IRGC officers concerned with economic instability and corruption, places him in a strong position within the power center.
What happens next for the Iranian leadership?
The post-war environment could shift the trajectory of Iran’s executive leadership. Sahimi suggests it is possible that Ghalibaf may eventually secure the presidency.
However, whether Ghalibaf could implement the systemic changes requested by the Iranian people—including economic improvements and social freedoms—remains uncertain. Sahimi expresses doubt regarding this possibility given Ghalibaf’s history of authoritarian tendencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the Iran-U.S. agreement be signed?
The temporary peace agreement is scheduled to be signed on Friday, June 19, in Switzerland.
Who is leading the Iranian delegation?
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Majlis, is the official head of the delegation.
What is the role of the IISF in these negotiations?
The Islamic Front for Stability in Iran (IISF) opposes negotiations with the United States and has targeted Ghalibaf since his appointment as chief negotiator.
Do you believe a temporary agreement can lead to long-term stability in the region?