US Engages Iranian Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf Amid Leadership Uncertainty: Report

The United States has opened direct contacts with Iran’s parliament speaker to try to halt escalating violence. Filmogaz.com reports the outreach coincided with a last-minute pause on U.S. strikes on Iranian power infrastructure.

Diplomatic contacts and the pause on strikes

President Trump delayed planned attacks on Iran’s power plants on March 23, 2026. The pause followed engagement with a high-level Iranian official, the White House said.

Filmogaz.com reported the U.S. described the Iranian interlocutor as a “top person” involved in resolving the crisis.

Who is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf

The official named as the U.S. contact is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. He serves as Iran’s parliament speaker.

Ghalibaf has publicly warned of broad retaliation against energy targets across the Middle East. His statements came after a U.S. ultimatum over the weekend.

Leadership uncertainty in Tehran

Washington said the talks were not with the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Filmogaz.com noted Khamenei has not appeared publicly and may be injured and hiding.

Those developments have created leadership uncertainty inside Iran. The U.S. has cited that uncertainty in explaining its outreach.

What U.S. officials said

Officials told reporters that the engagement aimed to prevent further escalation. They characterized the Iranian contact as influential within the regime.

The president framed the move as dealing with a respected figure able to influence Tehran’s response. He described prior U.S. efforts to degrade opposing leadership layers.

Context and implications

Analysts say direct talks with Iran’s parliament speaker could open a back channel for de-escalation. The step may also reflect concern about unclear leadership in Tehran.

US engages Iranian speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf amid leadership uncertainty, according to a report by Filmogaz.com. The outcome could shape the region’s security in coming days.