Iran chief negotiator Ghalibaf appointed to oversee ties with China: Media
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has been appointed as the special representative for Iran's relations with China, according to Iranian media. He will coordinate various sectors of the bilateral relationship, a role previously held by late security chief Ali Larijani. Ghalibaf has recently emerged as a key diplomatic figure following high-stakes talks with the United States amid regional conflict.
- ▪Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was appointed as Iran's special representative for China affairs.
- ▪The appointment was proposed by President Masoud Pezeshkian and approved by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
- ▪Ghalibaf will coordinate various sectors of relations between Iran and China.
- ▪Ali Larijani previously held a similar role and oversaw negotiations leading to a 25-year Iran-China cooperation agreement in 2021.
- ▪Iran recently allowed Chinese ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under an agreement on strait management protocols.
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Iran chief negotiator Ghalibaf appointed to oversee ties with China: MediaSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxIranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf will “coordinate various sectors of relations between Iran and China”, according to Tasnim news agency.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 17, 2026, 06:22 PMUpdated May 17, 2026, 06:22 PMTEHRAN - Iran’s Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who recently emerged as a chief negotiator in talks with the United States, has been appointed to oversee relations with China, Iranian media reported on May 17.“Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has recently been appointed as a special representative of the Islamic republic of Iran for China affairs,” Tasnim news agency reported, citing “informed sources”, with other media carrying…
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