WANA (May 25) – Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has been re-elected as the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament for the third consecutive year of its 12th term during an internal leadership election held on Monday, May 25, 2026.

 

Ghalibaf, who represents the constituency of Tehran, Rey, Shemiranat, Eslamshahr, and Pardis, secured a decisive victory in a vote attended by the vast majority of lawmakers.

 

Two other MPs challenged Ghalibaf for the speakership: Osman Salari, representing Torbat-e Jam, Taybad, Bakharz, and Salehabad; and Hojjat-ol-Islam Mohammad-Taqi Naqdali, representing Khomeyni Shahr.

 

Election Breakdown

Out of 276 ballots distributed, 271 valid votes were cast. Ghalibaf won by a landslide, while his challengers failed to mount a significant challenge:

  • Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf: 235 votes
  • Mohammad-Taqi Naqdali: 29 votes
  • Osman Salari: 7 votes
  • Blank Ballots: 5

 

Ghalibaf’s victory extends his long tenure at the helm of the legislative branch; he previously served as the Parliament Speaker for the entirety of the 11th legislative term, spanning four years.

 

Key Role in U.S.-Iran Diplomatic Channels

Ghalibaf’s re-election maintains continuity in Iran’s legislative leadership at a time when he is directly involved in high-stakes diplomacy.

 

Negotiations to end the recent war previously took place in Islamabad on April 11, led by Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. While those talks concluded without a final agreement, diplomatic channels have remained open through Pakistani mediation.