Fact Check: Was Iran’s Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf killed in US-Israel strikes?

TEHRAN, IRAN: A rumor has been circulating on social media platforms claiming that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of the Iranian Parliament, has been eliminated in the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.

The claim has sparked speculation, with many questioning its authenticity. Let us fact-check it.

Claim: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has been eliminated

According to the viral claim, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was killed in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East in an airstrike conducted by the US and Israel.

The claim has been circulating across social media platforms such as X, Facebook, and Instagram, garnering millions of views. Comments under the post suggest that many users believe the claim to be true, while others have questioned its authenticity.

Fact Check: No credible evidence proves Ghalibaf is dead

However, there is no evidence supporting the claim of Ghalibaf’s death. He reportedly survived recent airstrikes.

There have been no official statements or announcements from the Islamic Republic confirming the news. There are also no reports from the US or Israel supporting the claim.

A search using relevant keywords yields no credible results supporting the rumor, which, if true, would have been widely covered by major news outlets.

Moreover, recent reports suggest that Ghalibaf may have emerged as a key figure in President Donald Trump's push for peace talks with Tehran, although he has denied those reports as fake news.

Ghalibaf seen as possible target amid peace talks

Iranian officials are reportedly concerned that US-led peace talks could be a trap to target one of the country’s remaining top leaders, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Ghalibaf is believed to be a key figure and a potential target in any US-led negotiations.

According to the report, Tehran suspects that Trump's recent decision to delay attacks on Iran’s energy facilities is not aimed at peace, but rather at keeping oil prices under control before possibly launching further strikes.

On Monday, March 23, however, Ghalibaf denied that Iran is engaged in any negotiations with the US, warning that “fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets.”

Meanwhile, Trump claimed that talks are currently underway and that Iran is seeking a deal to end the conflict as it enters its fourth week.