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Iran's Qalibaf Vows Revenge Amid Political Turmoil

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker, has emerged as a key figure amid strikes against Iran.
Following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Qalibaf vowed revenge against the U.S. and Israel.
A former Revolutionary Guards commander, he has a history of cracking down on dissent and a 2005 presidential bid failure.
Despite his hardline image, he seeks to modernize and appeal to diverse voter demographics.

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Story summary

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker, has emerged as a key figure amid strikes against Iran.
Following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Qalibaf vowed revenge against the U.S. and Israel.
A former Revolutionary Guards commander, he has a history of cracking down on dissent and a 2005 presidential bid failure.
Despite his hardline image, he seeks to modernize and appeal to diverse voter demographics.