White House explores Iran leadership options amid war

As the war with Iran continues, attention is increasingly turning to what comes next.

According to Politico report, the Trump administration is quietly assessing potential figures within Iran’s political system who could play a role in a future negotiated outcome.

Among those being considered is Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who some US officials view as a possible negotiating partner in the next phase of the conflict.

Officials described the process as a “testing phase,” with multiple figures being evaluated rather than any single candidate being selected.

The discussions reflect a broader shift from military pressure toward exploring diplomatic pathways. The goal, according to officials cited in the report, is to identify individuals within Iran’s existing power structure who could engage in negotiations and help stabilize the situation.

Separately, US President Donald Trump said Washington had held what he described as “strong talks” with a “respected” Iranian leader, though not with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. He indicated that discussions are ongoing, but emphasized that no final agreement has been reached.

Overall, the developments highlight early efforts to define a potential political endgame as the conflict continues.