Iran appoints Ghalibaf as special envoy for China affairs amid deepening Beijing ties

Iran has appointed Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as its special representative for China affairs, state-linked media reported on Sunday, in a move that formalises his growing role in Tehran’s foreign policy.

According to Tasnim News Agency, Ghalibaf was nominated by President Masoud Pezeshkian and approved by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. He will be tasked with coordinating Iran’s political, economic and strategic relations with China.

The appointment places one of Iran’s most prominent conservative figures at the center of ties with Beijing, Tehran’s largest trading partner and a crucial diplomatic backer.

Ghalibaf has become increasingly influential since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began in late February. He played a leading role in indirect negotiations with Washington in April, which helped secure a fragile ceasefire that has been in effect since April 8.

Iranian media said the new post mirrors a role previously held by senior adviser Ali Larijani, who was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes in March. Larijani was instrumental in advancing the 25-year cooperation agreement signed between Iran and China in 2021.

China remains vital to Iran’s economy, purchasing significant volumes of Iranian oil despite U.S. sanctions and providing diplomatic support in international forums.

The announcement comes as Iran has allowed selected Chinese vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz under what the Revolutionary Guards described as “Iran’s strait management protocols.” Tehran has restricted shipping through the strategic waterway since the outbreak of the war, using control over the route as leverage in negotiations with the United States.

Ghalibaf’s appointment suggests Iran is seeking closer coordination with Beijing as it navigates sanctions, regional tensions and stalled talks with Washington.