Ali Larijani, currently serving as the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, has resumed this role for the second time since August 2025. His extensive political career includes significant positions such as Minister, Speaker of Parliament, and multiple presidential candidacies, establishing him as a prominent figure in Iranian politics.
Regarded as a pragmatic conservative by Western powers, Larijani has been involved in negotiations with them, a role that has garnered mixed reactions within Iran. Azadeh Kian, a professor emeritus of sociology at Paris-Cité University, remarked, “It is not obvious that his orders will actually be followed, particularly by the Revolutionary Guards, who are a state within a state.” This skepticism highlights the challenges Larijani faces in exerting authority.
Despite his political weight, observers suggest that Larijani’s influence may be limited. Mahnaz Shirali, a political scientist specializing in Iran, stated, “Even if the two men were to reach some kind of compromise, they could not possibly establish an authority based on Ali Larijani.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern regarding the sustainability of his leadership amidst internal dissent.
Critics have also voiced strong opinions about Larijani’s legacy. Kian further noted, “If the Americans or the Israelis wanted to eliminate him, he would be eliminated like the others,” indicating the precarious nature of his position in a volatile political environment.
Larijani’s ability to navigate these complexities is further complicated by the perception that he is disliked by many Iranians, with accusations of being a “criminal against humanity” levied against him. This perception could hinder his capacity to unify various factions within the Iranian political landscape.
As Larijani continues to operate within a system marked by competing interests and power struggles, the question remains whether he can leverage his experience to negotiate a departure from the current regime or if he will be relegated to a historical footnote.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future trajectory of his political career, but analysts are closely monitoring the dynamics within Iran as they unfold.
