Qalibaf: Iran's Pragmatic Figure in Power Struggle

0:00It's March 24th. From global headlines to breaking updates, this is Global News Today, powered by AI. Muhammad Bagger Khalibov, Iran's 64-year-old parliament speaker and former revolutionary guard commander, has long positioned himself as a pragmatic figure open to Western dialogue. Amid the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran now in its fourth week, in its fourth-surface suggesting he could serve as a negotiating partner for Washington. Khalibov quickly denied any such talks, calling the claims fake news aimed at market manipulation. The leadership shake up in Iran adds layers to the story. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Kaminay was killed in a late February Israeli air strike, paving the way for his son Moshtaba to step in as the new. Supreme leader Khalibov has enjoyed Mochava's backing through several failed presidential bids, though questions linger about the son's visibility after reports of him being wounded. Iranians and officials have mixed views on Khalibov.

1:03Many resent him for his role in pass crackdowns on protesters while some diplomats see him as a survivor who could bridge divides. Iran's state media dismissed the negotiation rumors as a political ploy to sow internal chaos and division among leaders. Khalibov's career spans decades from piloting for the guard to heading police forces and serving as Tehran mayor. Corruption claims have doubted him, but his international outreach, like praising global forms, set him apart from stricter hardliners. Notably, he's not on any U.S. bounty list, unlike many peers. As power centers compete in Iran's theocracy, whether Khalibov emerges stronger or faces new tests remains unclear, especially with Trump hinting at. One named contacts while prioritizing their safety.