Iranian parliament speaker quits negotiating team: Report

Ghalibaf has been a leading member of the negotiating team in Islamabad, Pakistan as part of talks with the United States.

Published: April 23, 2026 1:54pm

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has reportedly left the country's negotiating team as Tehran and Washington struggle to reach an agreement to end the Iran war.

The report from Channel 12, which the Times of Israel relayed, indicated that Ghalibaf left due to interference from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Ghalibaf has been a leading member of the negotiating team in Islamabad, Pakistan as part of talks with the United States. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also participated.

President Donald Trump this week extended the ceasefire with Iran and has since promised to maintain the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz amid an ongoing split between what he called the "hardliners" and "moderates" in the regime.

"Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know! The infighting is between the 'Hardliners,' who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the 'Moderates,' who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!), is CRAZY!" Trump posted on Truth Social.

"We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz. No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy. It is 'Sealed up Tight,' until such time as Iran is able to make a DEAL!!! Thank you for your attention to this matter," he added.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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