DUBAI: Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, is taking a more central role as Israeli and US strikes pick off the Islamic Republic’s political leadership, making him a critical figure at a decisive moment.
An Israeli official and a source familiar with the matter said on Monday that Qalibaf had been negotiating on Iran’s behalf with the United States as the conflict has escalated, a sign of his growing role.
With fewer of Iran’s most prominent figures remaining, the former Revolutionary Guards commander, Tehran mayor, national police chief and presidential candidate is now a key node between the political, security and clerical elites.
• Qalibaf is a veteran member of Iranian elite
• He is a former Revolutionary Guards general
