Iranian media have reported that Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, has been appointed as the country’s special representative for China affairs. Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported on Sunday, 17 May, that Qalibaf’s appointment was made following a proposal by the Iranian president and approval by Mojtaba Khamenei, the country’s leader. According to the report, Qalibaf’s appointment indicates that the scope of his authority and responsibilities differs from those of Iran’s previous special representatives. Qalibaf has previously been regarded as one of the influential figures within Iran’s political establishment in his capacity as Speaker of Parliament. He has also led negotiations between Iran and the United States, talks that were held around one month ago in Islamabad with Pakistan acting as mediator.
