Ali Larijani, a seasoned Iranian political figure with decades of experience, has once again emerged as a pivotal power broker within Iran’s complex security and diplomatic landscape. Following a devastating air strike that claimed the lives of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, Larijani announced the formation of a temporary leadership council to steer the country through this critical period. His resurgence last year marked a significant return to prominence, as he took charge of a wide-ranging portfolio that includes nuclear negotiations, Tehran’s strategic regional alliances, and the suppression of internal dissent.
Larijani’s deep roots in Iran’s political establishment are underscored by his background as a member of one of the country’s most influential clerical families. His career has been characterized by unwavering loyalty to Khamenei and a pragmatic approach to navigating the often fractious factions within Iran’s ruling elite. Since his appointment as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) in August, Larijani has played a crucial role in shaping Iran’s security policies and diplomatic outreach, particularly in the wake of last year’s 12-day conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
In addition to managing internal security challenges, Larijani has been at the forefront of Iran’s efforts to revive nuclear talks with the United States. His diplomatic engagements include a recent visit to Oman, where he prepared the ground for indirect negotiations aimed at addressing Washington’s concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Larijani expressed a cautiously optimistic view on the nuclear issue, stating that the matter is “resolvable” if the U.S. focuses on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. This stance reflects his reputation as a pragmatic strategist willing to engage in dialogue despite ongoing tensions.
However, Larijani’s role in Iran’s security apparatus has not been without controversy. In January, the United States imposed sanctions on him, accusing him of orchestrating a brutal crackdown on widespread anti-government protests that erupted across Iran. These demonstrations, fueled by economic hardship and political grievances, represented the most significant domestic unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Larijani was singled out for calling for violent responses to the protesters, a move that drew sharp condemnation from human rights organizations and further strained Iran’s relations with the West.
Despite these challenges, Larijani has maintained a firm stance against what he describes as attempts by Israel and the United States to destabilize Iran through support for “secessionist groups” and armed insurgencies. He has consistently differentiated between legitimate popular protests and violent actions he attributes to foreign-backed terrorist groups. His rhetoric underscores the regime’s determination to suppress any threats to its authority while projecting strength in the face of external pressures.
Larijani’s extensive diplomatic activities extend beyond the Middle East. Over recent months, he has conducted multiple visits to Moscow, engaging directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin to bolster security cooperation between Tehran and Moscow. These interactions highlight Iran’s strategic alignment with Russia as a counterbalance to U.S. influence in the region. Additionally, Larijani played a key role in advancing negotiations with China, culminating in a landmark 25-year cooperation agreement signed in 2021, which aims to deepen economic and security ties between the two nations.
His political career spans several decades and includes significant roles such as serving as the chief nuclear negotiator from 2005 to 2007 and as the speaker of Iran’s parliament from 2008 to 2020. During his tenure as parliament speaker, Iran reached the historic 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers, a landmark agreement that was later abandoned by the United States under President Donald Trump. Larijani’s pragmatic approach to diplomacy and his emphasis on Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology have been central themes throughout his public service.
Born in Najaf, Iraq, in 1958, Larijani moved to Iran during his childhood and pursued higher education, earning a PhD in philosophy. His family remains deeply embedded in Iran’s political and judicial institutions, with several brothers holding influential positions. Larijani’s political ambitions have faced obstacles, including disqualification from presidential elections in 2021 and 2024 by the Guardian Council, citing concerns over his lifestyle and family connections abroad. Furthermore, his family has not been immune to the repercussions of his political stance, as evidenced by the dismissal of one of his daughters from a teaching position at Emory University in the United States following protests by Iranian-American activists.
As Iran navigates a turbulent period marked by regional conflicts, internal dissent, and international sanctions, Ali Larijani’s reemergence as a central figure in the country’s security and diplomatic spheres signals a continuation of his influential role in shaping Tehran’s domestic and foreign policies. His blend of pragmatic diplomacy and hardline security measures reflects the complex balancing act faced by Iran’s leadership in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.
