Property, a visa and a university job: the Australian links forged by a powerful Iranian politician’s son in Melbourne

The son of Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf – now leading Iran’s peace negotiations with US – lived and worked in Melbourne, raising questions about national security and sanctions

One of Iran’s most powerful men – who led Tehran’s failed peace negotiations with the US – has for more than a decade built extensive ties to Australia, including through rental income from at least one investment property that was collected by his son.

As Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf plays a central role in the Middle East conflict and the peace negotiations, Guardian Australia can reveal Iran’s parliamentary speaker and his son have links to a research centre at the University of Melbourne. His 38-year-old son, Eshagh Ghalibaf, also secured long-term Australian residency despite Canada twice rejecting his visa applications.