Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, has become increasingly prominent in Tehran, discussing Iran's response to possible U.S. attacks. Despite his hardline stance, Qalbaf has a reputation as a moderniser and pragmatist, posing as a qualified pilot for campaign ads to bolster his professional image. He served as Tehran mayor for 12 years and later returned to national politics with his election to parliament and appointment as speaker in 2020. His political career began when he joined the Revolutionary Guards, a military unit dedicated to upholding Iran's new Islamic system.