The Trump administration is quietly considering Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Galibaf as a potential future leader. The 64-year-old politician is described as "someone you could talk to." The White House is testing various candidates to find willing negotiators within Iran's system. Galibaf has been called "a very serious option."

The interest reflects Washington's search for an exit from deepening tensions. The team is interested in a Venezuela-like approach - offering a future leader protection in exchange for oil cooperation. Analysts are skeptical. The administration has ruled out exiled Reza Pahlavi as lacking legitimacy.