- Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, is reportedly being considered as a potential successor to the Ayatollah, with claims of US interest in negotiating with him following reports of the supreme leader's death.
- Ghalibaf, a 64-year-old hardliner, has a significant background in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, having commanded a combat division and led the brutal Basij paramilitary force.
- He is known for his role in suppressing dissent, notably leading crackdowns on student protests in 1999 and boasting about using force against dissidents.
- Despite promoting religious asceticism, Ghalibaf has faced several controversies, including 'LayetteGate' concerning his family's luxury shopping trip and allegations of corruption during his time as Tehran's mayor.
- Ghalibaf has a history of aspiring to Iran's top leadership, having made multiple unsuccessful bids for the presidency in 2005, 2013, and 2024.
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