Iran Confirms Kalibaf as Lead Negotiator, Shifts Talks Focus from Nuclear Issues to Ceasefire

Gate News message, April 23 — Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed on April 23 that Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf will lead the Iranian delegation in negotiations in Islamabad, marking a fundamental shift in talks away from nuclear issues toward achieving a comprehensive ceasefire. The ministry spokesperson emphasized that the core focus of recent negotiations has changed, with ending the war becoming the primary objective rather than nuclear matters.

Qalibaf brings extensive military experience from the Iran-Iraq War and has served in multiple leadership roles, earning trust across Iran's political factions. Paired with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who also has military background, Iran views this as an efficient diplomatic combination capable of coordinating national interests across all sectors. The spokesperson stressed that nuclear issues are no longer central to the negotiations, with the primary goal now being to secure a complete ceasefire and protect the nation's core interests.

Shortly before this statement, Israeli sources reported that Qalibaf had resigned from the Iranian negotiating team due to involvement of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.