This military background has been a central aspect of Ghalibaf’s political identity. His supporters view his experience as a symbol of strength and patriotism, while his critics argue that his military career has sometimes been used to justify his actions in the political realm, particularly when it comes to issues of authority and governance.
Ghalibaf’s political journey took a significant turn in 2005 when he was elected as the mayor of Tehran, Iran’s capital city. He was chosen by the Tehran City Council through a consensus process and assumed office in a time of economic and political change in Iran. Ghalibaf served as mayor for three terms, from 2005 to 2017, and during this period, he became a key figure in urban development and infrastructure projects within Tehran.
As mayor, Ghalibaf was credited with modernizing Tehran’s public transportation system, including the expansion of the city’s metro network. His tenure also saw improvements in urban planning and the construction of several large-scale projects aimed at addressing the city’s chronic traffic problems. While some hailed his work as transformative for the city, others criticized his administration for being marked by corruption and inefficiency. Nevertheless, Ghalibaf’s ability to navigate Tehran’s complex political and economic landscape allowed him to maintain his position as mayor for over a decade.
