Iman Shamsaei, head of the Communication, Media and Cultural Affairs Center of the Iranian Parliament, dismissed claims circulated by certain individuals and groups regarding Qalibaf’s alleged resignation from leading the country’s negotiating delegation.

“The new claim by some individuals that Dr. Qalibaf has stepped down from heading the negotiating team is completely false and an obvious lie,” Shamsaei said in remarks posted online.

He stressed that Qalibaf continues to head Iran’s negotiating team while also serving as the country’s special representative for China affairs.

“I reiterate once again that Dr. Qalibaf still heads the negotiating team and, at the same time, upon the proposal of the respected president and with the approval of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, has been appointed as the establishment’s special representative for China affairs,” he added.