White House Assessing Iran's Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf as Potential Partner, Politico Reports

Politico reported on March 23 that the White House is quietly assessing Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a potential partner and interlocutor amid strained US-Iran relations.

Unnamed US officials said the review is being conducted discreetly, with Ghalibaf viewed as a possible future political figure in Iran who could lead negotiations with the United States in a later phase of the ongoing conflict.

Neither Iranian authorities nor the White House have confirmed or commented on the report. The development occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions and uncertainty over diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran.

US President Donald Trump described recent contacts with Iran as "constructive," indicating potential opportunities for resolving parts of the conflict through diplomacy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that Israel will continue its military operations against Iran and allied groups, emphasizing that any diplomatic progress will not halt ongoing strikes or security actions.

US-Iran relations have remained tense for years, marked by disputes over nuclear policy, sanctions and regional security issues. Recent escalations in the Middle East have intensified pressure on both sides to explore new diplomatic options, even as public rhetoric stays confrontational.

The unconfirmed report points to possible shifts in US strategy toward alternative pathways for engagement with Iran.