Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran's Islamic Consultative Assembly since 2020, secured re-election for a seventh consecutive term in May 2026 with 235 of 271 votes cast by lawmakers, defeating two challengers and retaining broad backing from the conservative majority. Parliament holds annual leadership votes, typically in May, giving members direct control over the position. A small group of ultraconservative Paydari Party MPs voiced criticism in June 2026 over his handling of U.S. negotiations and parliament operations, but an internal tally showed fewer than 30 lawmakers opposed his continued leadership. Ghalibaf has maintained an active public role in diplomatic and policy statements through August and September 2026, including responses to U.S. sanctions and regional security matters. The next speaker election is scheduled for 2027, with any earlier change requiring a successful internal challenge or procedural shift.