Politics & World • Iranian Politics

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is an Iranian conservative politician and former military commander.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is an Iranian conservative politician and former military commander. He has served as Speaker of the Parliament of Iran since 2020 and previously served as mayor of Tehran from 2005 to 2017. Before entering full-time politics, he held senior positions in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran's law enforcement forces.

Early life and military career

Ghalibaf was born near Mashhad in 1961 and rose through Iran's security establishment. He held senior posts in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and later in the national police and law enforcement system.

Mayor of Tehran

He served as mayor of Tehran from 2005 to 2017. His tenure made him one of the most visible conservative administrators in Iran's urban and national politics.

Speaker of the Parliament

Ghalibaf was elected to the Majles in 2020 and became Speaker of the Parliament of Iran. Since then, he has been portrayed by multiple international outlets as one of the most influential figures in the Iranian political system.

Political profile

He is generally described as a conservative or ultraconservative politician with a pragmatic administrative style. Reporting also notes recurring corruption allegations and his close ties to the IRGC.

Key facts

Ghalibaf was born in 1961 in the Khorasan region of Iran.
He joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps early in his career and later commanded its air force.
He served as chief of Iran's Law Enforcement Command from 2000 to 2005.
He was mayor of Tehran from 2005 to 2017.
He became Speaker of the Parliament of Iran in 2020.

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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter Ghalibaf in coverage of Iran's internal power structure, regional security, and negotiations involving Iran, the United States, and Middle East conflicts.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf?

He is an Iranian conservative politician and former military commander who has served as Speaker of the Parliament of Iran since 2020.

What positions has he held?

He has been mayor of Tehran, commander in the IRGC air force, chief of Law Enforcement Command, and Speaker of Parliament.

When was he born?

He was born on 23 August 1961.

What is he known for?

He is known for his long career in Iran's security institutions and for becoming one of the country's most prominent conservative politicians.

Has he run for president?

Yes. Reporting notes that he ran unsuccessfully for president, including in 2017.

References

Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mohammad-Bagher-Ghalibaf
Supports: Birth date; IRGC air force command; Law Enforcement Command leadership; mayor of Tehran; speaker of parliament; general profile.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammad_Bagher_Ghalibaf
Supports: Birth date; service as Speaker of Parliament since 2020; former IRGC brigadier general; mayor of Tehran.
The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/25/world/middleeast/mohammad-bagher-ghalibaf-iran-speaker-parliament.html
Supports: Current role as Speaker; prominence in Iran's political and strategic leadership in 2026.
The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/24/iran-parliament-speaker-mohammad-bagher-ghalibaf-white-house
Supports: Born in 1961 in Mashhad/Khorasan; IRGC connections; role as possible interlocutor in Iran-US discussions.
TF1 Info — https://www.tf1info.fr/international/guerre-moyen-orient-qui-est-mohammad-bagher-ghalibaf-le-principal-negociateur-iranien-au-coeur-de-l-accord-entre-teheran-et-washington-2447754.html
Supports: Born in 1961 in Khorasan region; joined the IRGC at age 18; prominent role in negotiations and public leadership.