Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf Re-elected as Speaker of Iranian Parliament

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has been re-elected as the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Iranian Parliament) for a new term, according to the Iranian news agency Fars on Monday. The vote took place during the parliament's inaugural session.

Ghalibaf received 219 votes out of a total of 272, significantly surpassing his rival Ahmad Rastineh, who obtained approximately 38 votes.

This marks the sixth time Ghalibaf has been elected to this position since 2020, highlighting the sustained influence of the conservative faction within the legislative body.

At 65 years old, Ghalibaf is recognized as a prominent political and military figure in Iran. His career includes serving as a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and holding the office of Tehran's mayor for 12 years. During his mayoralty, he oversaw major infrastructure projects such as the expansion of the capital's metro system and the development of new residential districts.

Ghalibaf has run for the presidency multiple times—in 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2024—without winning, yet he has maintained his status and influence within the Iranian political system.

His re-election occurs amid unprecedented internal and external challenges facing the Iranian regime, notably following the death of the former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in February 2026 and the disappearance of Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei.

Ghalibaf is described as the "man of the moment," enjoying broad support within the Revolutionary Guard and security institutions, and maintaining close ties with the new leadership.