Ali Larijani, a seasoned Iranian politician with decades of experience, has once again taken center stage in Tehran’s complex political and security framework. Following a devastating air strike that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Larijani announced plans for establishing a temporary leadership council, signaling a critical shift in Iran’s power dynamics. His resurgence as a dominant force within the country’s security apparatus has been marked by his broad oversight of issues ranging from nuclear negotiations to managing Tehran’s delicate regional alliances and addressing internal unrest with a firm hand.
Larijani’s political pedigree is deeply rooted in one of Iran’s most influential clerical families, and his career has been characterized by unwavering loyalty to the Supreme Leader. Since his appointment in August as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), he has taken on a multifaceted role that places him at the heart of Iran’s strategic decision-making. His portfolio includes steering sensitive nuclear talks with the United States, a task he resumed shortly after Washington imposed sanctions on him in January for allegedly orchestrating a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests that shook the country.
In the wake of escalating tensions, Larijani has vocally condemned the United States and Israel, accusing them of attempting to destabilize and fragment Iran. He issued stern warnings to secessionist factions, promising severe consequences for any attempts to undermine national unity. This statement came nearly a day after a series of coordinated attacks targeted Iranian positions, which also resulted in the death of Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, underscoring the volatile security environment Tehran currently faces.
Larijani’s return to prominence is not without precedent. He previously led the SNSC two decades ago and resumed leadership following a 12-day air conflict between Iran and Israel, which drew in the United States. His pragmatic approach to diplomacy has been evident in recent months, highlighted by his visit to Oman to prepare for indirect nuclear negotiations with Washington. This diplomatic engagement occurred amidst a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, aimed at pressuring Iran to make concessions before the outbreak of hostilities.
Moreover, Larijani has strengthened Iran’s ties with key allies, undertaking multiple trips to Moscow to discuss security cooperation with Russian officials. These visits reflect Tehran’s strategic pivot towards Russia as a counterbalance to Western pressures, particularly from the United States. His diplomatic efforts also extend to China, where he played a role in advancing a landmark 25-year cooperation agreement signed in 2021, further cementing Iran’s position within a network of global partnerships.
Despite his diplomatic engagements, Larijani’s tenure has been marred by controversy, especially regarding his role in suppressing the widespread protests that erupted across Iran in January. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned him for his involvement in directing violent responses to demonstrators demanding political and economic reforms. Human rights organizations estimate that thousands lost their lives during the crackdown, marking the most severe domestic unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
While Larijani has expressed sympathy for the economic grievances fueling public protests, he has drawn a clear line condemning armed insurgencies, which he attributes to foreign interference, particularly by Israel. He has differentiated between peaceful demonstrators and what he describes as “urban quasi-terrorist groups,” emphasizing the government’s resolve to maintain order and national security.
Larijani’s background includes a notable stint as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator from 2005 to 2007, during which he staunchly defended Tehran’s right to uranium enrichment. His diplomatic style during that period was seen as pragmatic, attempting to persuade Western powers through negotiation rather than confrontation. He famously compared European demands to halt nuclear fuel production to “exchanging a pearl for a candy bar,” illustrating his belief in Iran’s sovereign rights. However, the U.S. and Israel remain convinced that Iran’s nuclear ambitions are geared towards developing a weapon capable of threatening regional stability.
In addition to his nuclear portfolio, Larijani served as the speaker of Iran’s parliament from 2008 until 2020, a period that included the negotiation and signing of the 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers. This agreement, which aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, was later abandoned by the Trump administration in 2018, leading to renewed tensions and economic hardship for Iran.
Larijani has consistently maintained that Iran’s nuclear knowledge and capabilities cannot be eradicated. In a 2025 interview, he likened the nuclear program to a stolen invention that could be reproduced despite external attempts to dismantle it. This analogy underscores his belief in Iran’s resilience and technological sovereignty.
Born in Najaf, Iraq, in 1958, Larijani moved to Iran during his childhood and pursued advanced studies, ultimately earning a doctorate in philosophy. His family remains deeply embedded within Iran’s political and clerical elite, with several siblings holding prominent positions in the judiciary and foreign ministry. However, his influence has not been without personal repercussions; in January, one of his daughters was dismissed from a teaching role at Emory University in the United States following protests by Iranian-American activists opposed to his role in the crackdown on protesters.
Despite multiple attempts to run for the presidency in 2005, 2021, and 2024, Larijani was barred from candidacy by the Guardian Council, citing concerns over his lifestyle and family connections abroad. Nevertheless, his enduring presence in Iran’s political and security spheres highlights his significance as a power broker capable of navigating the country’s intricate internal and external challenges.
