Reports Suggest Ghalibaf May No Longer Lead Iran-US Peace Negotiations
Iran reports claim Ghalibaf stepped down from US talks role.
Reports indicate growing uncertainty over whether Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has stepped down from his role as Iran’s chief representative in ongoing peace negotiations with the United States, amid signs of internal disagreement within Tehran’s negotiating structure. The claims have emerged as indirect talks between the two countries continue to stall over key political and security issues.
According to multiple media reports, including international and regional outlets, Ghalibaf is said to have either resigned or been replaced as head of Iran’s negotiating team following internal friction over the scope of discussions. Some reports suggest that disagreements within Iran’s political and military establishment—particularly over whether the nuclear issue should be formally included—may have triggered a leadership change in the delegation.
Ghalibaf, who is also the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, had previously played a visible role in high-level talks mediated through third countries such as Pakistan. These negotiations form part of broader indirect diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising tensions between Tehran and Washington, which have escalated over nuclear concerns, sanctions, and regional security disputes.
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Despite the reports, there has been no official confirmation from Iran’s government or state media regarding his resignation or removal. Observers note that Iranian official communication typically remains the primary source for validating any changes in key negotiating roles, and silence from state channels has left the situation unclear.
The uncertainty comes at a sensitive moment in the broader Iran–US engagement process, where mediation efforts continue but remain stalled over core disagreements, particularly on Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief. Indirect communication channels are still active, but no breakthrough has been achieved so far, and leadership questions could further complicate diplomatic momentum.
With competing reports and no formal clarification, Ghalibaf’s current status in the negotiations remains unresolved. Analysts say the situation reflects broader internal divisions within Iran’s political structure at a time when diplomatic pressure and regional tensions are both intensifying.
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