Challenges Faced by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 12, 2026

Life is full of challenges, and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is an Iranian politician and former IRGC Brigadier General, currently serving as Speaker of the Parliament of Iran since 2020. In April 2026, amidst the 2026 Iran War, he was responsible for strategic matters within Iran, while others managed tactical war efforts and daily state functions. He also led the Iranian delegation in ceasefire talks with the U.S., hosted by Pakistan, in April 2026.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1999: Threatening Letter to President Khatami

As Commander of the IRGC Air Force in 1999, Ghalibaf was among the IRGC commanders who sent a threatening letter to President Mohammad Khatami during the pro-democracy student protests, suggesting they would take action if the protests were not suppressed.

2000: Chief of Police Command

From 2000 to 2005, Ghalibaf was the chief of the Police Command of the Islamic Republic of Iran, marked by accusations of suppressing protestors and arresting intellectuals.

2002: Summoning and Detention of Intellectuals and Journalists

In 2002 and 2004, during Ghalibaf's tenure as Chief of Police, dozens of intellectuals, journalists, political activists, and bloggers were summoned, interrogated, or temporarily detained, leading to protests from the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance and the Writers' Association of Iran.

2003: Statements During Student Protests

During the 2003 Iranian student protests, Ghalibaf reportedly made statements about using force against students, including using gas to "finish the job" and threatening to "crush" anyone who entered the dormitory.

2003: Alleged Intent to Suppress Students

During the 2013 presidential election debates, Hassan Rouhani revealed that Ghalibaf stated in 2003, "Students should come so we can use gas to finish the job," indicating an intent to suppress student protests.

2004: Summoning and Detention of Intellectuals and Journalists

May 2013: Threats to Use Force at Universities

In May 2013, an audio recording revealed Ghalibaf threatening to allow law enforcement forces to enter universities and use force, stating he would "crush" anyone who came to the dormitory.

2013: Ghalibaf Concedes 2013 Presidential Election

In 2013, Ghalibaf received 6,077,292 votes (16.55%) in the Iranian presidential election, placing second behind Hassan Rouhani. Following the announcement of the results in 2013, Ghalibaf published a statement congratulating Rouhani on his election as President of Iran and conceding the election.

2014: Alleged Widespread Violations by Tehran Municipality

In 2014, the report outlines several widespread violations by the Tehran Municipality, including the payment of 60 billion tomans in aid and the granting of land to the Imam Reza Charity owned by Ghalibaf’s wife, as well as 47 secret bank accounts.

March 2016: Failed Investigation of Tehran Municipality

On March 16, 2016, some members of parliament initiated a plan to investigate the Tehran Municipality, but they failed to secure the necessary votes, and Ghalibaf thanked the parliamentarians for rejecting the investigation.

September 2016: Report on Municipal Property Transfers

In September 2016, a report in Shargh newspaper and later on the Memari News website revealed the transfer of municipal properties to city managers at discounted prices, leading to the imprisonment of the Memari News website editor after being sued by Ghalibaf.

January 2017: Plasco Building Fire and Collapse

In January 2017, the Plasco Building in Tehran collapsed after a massive fire, resulting in firefighter fatalities and widespread criticism of the Tehran Municipality under Ghalibaf's leadership for alleged negligence and mismanagement of the crisis.

January 2017: Allegations of Contract Misuse

On January 15, 2017, Mohammad Ali Najafi stated that Ghalibaf signed two contracts worth 1.43 billion tomans, but only a fraction of the funds were properly used by the company, with the rest allegedly used for election purposes.