Tehran, May 22, 2026 — Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has named Esmaeil Baqaei, the Foreign Ministry’s current spokesperson, as the official spokesman for the Iranian negotiating team in peace talks with the United States aimed at resolving the crisis in West Asia. State broadcaster IRIB reported the appointment, citing a decree issued by Ghalibaf, who leads the negotiating delegation.
The decree describes Baqaei as “one of the revolutionary forces and an expert in international law,” noting his diplomatic experience and his present role as the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson. It says Baqaei will be responsible for clarifying Iran’s positions to international audiences and responding to public questions about the negotiations.
Ghalibaf’s statement, quoted by IRIB, emphasized expectations that Baqaei will rigorously present and defend the Islamic Republic’s stance and answer concerns raised by the Iranian public during the talks.
Iran has given its negotiating delegation the name “Minab 168,” in reference to an incident the government says claimed 168 lives — including more than 120 children — in alleged U.S. strikes on a primary school in the Minab region. The naming underscores the delegation’s framing of the talks and the grievances Iran intends to address.
Officials framed the appointment as part of efforts to streamline communications and ensure coordinated messaging from the negotiating team through ongoing diplomatic engagement. The report was distributed by ANI and carried by state media.
