Ali Larijani: Key Figure in Iran's Political Landscape Amid Rising Tensions
Rising Influence of Ali Larijani in Iran
As the conflict escalates between the United States, Israel, and Iran, Ali Larijani has become a pivotal player in Tehran's political arena. In January, with nationwide protests and concerns over potential US military action, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed Larijani, a long-time ally, to navigate the country through what insiders describe as a severe military and security crisis. Since then, the 67-year-old has taken charge of numerous critical national matters.
A seasoned politician and former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Larijani currently holds the position of secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). His increasing influence has overshadowed President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has minimized his political role by stating, “I’m a doctor, not a politician.” Reports from senior Iranian officials indicate that Larijani’s duties have expanded significantly, including overseeing the crackdown on protests against Islamic governance, managing nuclear talks with the US, and coordinating with regional allies like Qatar and Oman, as well as major partners such as Russia. He even visited Moscow for security discussions with President Vladimir Putin.
Moreover, Larijani has been assigned the task of preparing for a potential conflict with the United States as Washington builds up its military presence in the area. In an interview with Al Jazeera during a trip to Doha, he stated, “We are ready in our country. We are not looking for war, and we won’t start the war. But if they force it on us, we will respond.”
Background of Ali Larijani
Ali Ardashir Larijani hails from a prominent political and religious lineage and has been a significant figure in Iran’s governance for years. He was among the founding members of the IRGC, later took on the role of Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, and chaired the state broadcasting organization IRIB. Serving as the speaker of Parliament for 12 years, he was appointed in 2021 to negotiate a comprehensive 25-year strategic agreement with China worth billions.
In response to lessons learned from Israel’s unexpected attack last June, which disrupted Iran’s military command structure, Ayatollah Khamenei reportedly reorganized leadership roles. Larijani was appointed as SNSC secretary, and contingency plans were established to ensure the Islamic Republic's continuity in the face of war or potential assassination attempts on top leaders. While Khamenei has privately identified possible successors, Larijani is unlikely to formally succeed him due to not being a senior Shiite cleric, a crucial requirement for the supreme leader position. Nevertheless, he remains a trusted member of Khamenei’s inner circle and is seen as a key power broker capable of guiding the country through any transitional or wartime crisis.