Overview
- Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf won the speakership with 235 of 271 votes, consolidating his position for another term.
- State-affiliated ISNA reported this is Ghalibaf’s seventh time as parliament speaker and the vote margin sidelined hardliner rivals.
- Ghalibaf is leading indirect talks with the United States and serves as Iran’s special envoy to China, giving him a key diplomatic role.
- The Ilna news agency reported coordinated pressure and messaging campaigns targeted MPs before the ballot to weaken support for Ghalibaf.
- Iran’s Foreign Ministry said negotiations are focused on ending the war and have not yet covered nuclear details, even as U.S. officials express cautious optimism.