Veteran Iranian politician Ali Larijani has become a prominent figure in Iran’s security leadership after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei due to an air strike. Larijani has a wide range of responsibilities, including nuclear negotiations, regional relations, and managing internal unrest. He is seen as an establishment insider from a significant clerical family and was overseeing Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear deal with the U. S., despite being sanctioned by Washington for allegedly overseeing a crackdown on protests in January.
Larijani claimed that the U. S. and Israel were attempting to weaken Iran and warned harshly against actions by secessionist groups. Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Abdolrahim Mousavi, was also reported dead following the strikes. Appointed Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Larijani is known for his deep loyalty to Khamenei and ability to work with various factions within the government. His recent diplomatic efforts included a trip to Oman to prepare for indirect nuclear talks with the U. S. and visits to Moscow to strengthen security ties.
He has resumed his leadership role in the Supreme National Security Council following a brief air conflict with Israel that involved U. S. support. Larijani’s approach to the nuclear issue is seen as pragmatic, stating it is “resolvable” and expressing that America’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions could be addressed. However, despite this pragmatic emphasis, Larijani’s role during the January protests attracted U. S. sanctions, with American officials alleging he played a key part in suppressing dissent.
While acknowledging the economic frustrations of protestors, he condemned violent actions initiated by groups he accused of being influenced by Israel. Larijani, a former chief nuclear negotiator who defended Iran’s right to enrich uranium, was known for his pragmatic diplomacy, having previously compared Western incentives to “exchanging a pearl for a candy bar.” The U. S. and Israel fear Iran’s nuclear program could be aimed at weapons development, a claim Iran counters by asserting its intentions for peaceful nuclear use.
Larijani has underscored that Iran’s nuclear program cannot be erased, arguing that once technology is discovered, it can’t be taken away. He has maintained connections with Russia, utilizing their partnership to counter pressure from the U. S. and foster negotiations with China, leading to a significant 25-year cooperation agreement in 2021. Although he previously ran for the presidency, he has faced obstacles, including disqualification from recent elections by the Guardian Council for personal and family-related reasons.
Born in Najaf, Iraq, and later moving to Iran, Larijani holds a philosophy PhD and comes from a family of influential leaders. His daughter’s dismissal from a teaching position in the U. S. following activism against his actions during the protests illustrates the ramifications of his political role.
With information from Reuters
