us iran war donald trump ghalibaf iran war peace talks regime change

Key Points:

• The ongoing Middle East war has lasted 26 days, resulting in over 3,000 deaths, massive financial costs, a global energy crisis with Brent crude above $100 for 12 days, and displacing over four million people.
• Former US President Donald Trump hinted at potential peace talks with a "very reasonable, respected" Iranian figure, widely speculated to be Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, though Ghalibaf has denied any negotiations.
• Ghalibaf, a war veteran, former Tehran mayor, and influential conservative insider with ties to the IRGC, is viewed as a pragmatic yet security-focused figure unlikely to easily concede to US demands on nuclear or strategic issues.
• Trump reportedly aims to install Ghalibaf as a pro-US leader in Tehran, akin to Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez, to facilitate regime change and US withdrawal from the conflict, though experts question Ghalibaf's pliability and the feasibility of such a plan.
• There are also reports of secret communications between Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, with both Iranian officials allegedly offered immunity during a temporary pause in hostilities, suggesting multiple channels for potential negotiations.