According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the appointment was made at the suggestion of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and subsequently approved by the Supreme Leader.

So far, Iranian authorities have not specified whether Ghalibaf will continue to serve concurrently as Speaker of Parliament.

Analysts believe the appointment shows the strategic importance Tehran attaches to strengthening its political and economic relations with China, Iran’s main trading partner amid Western sanctions.

Previously, Ali Larijani and Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli held the position of Iranian special representatives to Beijing.

Iran and China maintain close cooperation in economic, energy, and infrastructure areas, strengthened after the signing of a long-term strategic cooperation agreement between the two nations.

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