UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Iran’s key negotiator appointed to oversee China ties, says report

Q1. In Iran's 2026 diplomatic reshuffle, the office to which Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was appointed — 'Special Representative for China Affairs' — is best described as:

  • A. A dedicated envoy tasked with overseeing Iran's bilateral relations with China
  • B. Iran's resident ambassador stationed in Beijing
  • C. The chairperson of the Majlis standing committee on Sino-Iranian trade
  • D. A military attaché coordinating arms procurement from China

Q2. According to the report, Ghalibaf's appointment as Special Representative for China Affairs was proposed by the President and required final approval solely from which authority?

  • A. The Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei)
  • B. The Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis)
  • C. The Guardian Council
  • D. The Supreme National Security Council

Q3. In Iran's political system, which single office is the highest authority, commands the armed forces, and has the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reporting directly to it?

  • A. The Supreme Leader (Rahbar)
  • B. The President
  • C. The Speaker of the Majlis
  • D. The Chief Justice

Q4. Which body operationalises the vetting of legislation for constitutionality and the screening of candidates for parliamentary and presidential elections in Iran?

  • A. The Guardian Council
  • B. The Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis)
  • C. The Assembly of Experts
  • D. The Expediency Discernment Council

Q5. In the strike of 17 March 2026 near eastern Tehran, how many persons — including Ali Larijani — were reported killed?

  • A. Two
  • B. Three
  • C. Four
  • D. Five

Q6. Ali Larijani, killed in 2026, was Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. This Council is best described as:

  • A. Iran's top body coordinating national-security and foreign-policy strategy, chaired by the President
  • B. The clerical assembly that elects and supervises the Supreme Leader
  • C. The upper chamber of Iran's bicameral Parliament
  • D. The tribunal that vets candidates for electoral office

Q7. In accounts of the 2026 war, the phrase 'leadership decapitation' applied to the strikes on Iran refers to:

  • A. The targeted killing of a state's top political and military leaders to disrupt its chain of command
  • B. The constitutional removal of a head of state through a parliamentary no-confidence vote
  • C. The formal severing of diplomatic relations between warring states
  • D. A naval blockade cutting off the enemy capital's supply routes

Q8. Which port is described as the India–Iran flagship connectivity project and India's principal overseas port undertaking, serving as a gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia?

  • A. Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar
  • B. Bandar Abbas
  • C. Bandar-e Anzali
  • D. Bandar-e Jask

Q9. The May 2024 long-term contract to equip and operate the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar was signed, on the Indian side, by which entity?

  • A. India Ports Global Limited (IPGL)
  • B. Shipping Corporation of India
  • C. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority
  • D. Ports and Maritime Organization