WANA (July 25) – Will Ali Larijani Become Masoud Pezeshkian’s First Vice President or the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council?

 

An Iranian news website has claimed that discussions and consultations between Masoud Pezeshkian, the elected President, and Ali Larijani for the position of Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council have been finalized.

 

The media outlet stated that Ali Larijani will officially be introduced as the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council following the endorsement and inauguration ceremonies, which will take place in the coming days. This news has not yet been confirmed or denied by any official bodies.

 

Ali Larijani, who had registered for the 2024 presidential election, was disqualified by the Guardian Council.

 

Larijani has held high-ranking positions in various institutions and organizations for many years. However, in recent years, it appears that his standing has diminished due to his children’s presence abroad and his close association with the hardline faction of the Reformist Front, leading to his falling out of favour with the establishment.

Larijani

Ali Larijani (L) and Hasan Rouhani (R). Social Media / WANA News Agency 

 

WHO IS ALI LARIJANI

Ali Larijani is an influential Iranian conservative politician, philosopher, and former military officer. Born on June 3, 1958, in Najaf, Iraq, he comes from a prominent family with significant political and religious influence in Iran. Larijani is known for his extensive career in Iran’s political landscape, holding various significant positions over the years.

 

Larijani studied mathematics and computer science at the Sharif University of Technology in Tehran. He later pursued a degree in Western philosophy at the University of Tehran, furthering his studies in philosophy at the University of Tehran’s Faculty of Literature and Humanities.

 

From 1992 to 1994, Larijani served as Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, where he oversaw media and cultural policies.

 

Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council

In 2005, he was appointed as the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, succeeding Hassan Rouhani. In this role, Larijani was Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, engaging in discussions with Western powers regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

 

Speaker of the Parliament

One of his most prominent roles was as the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis), a position he held from 2008 to 2020. During his tenure, Larijani was known for his pragmatic approach, often navigating between hardline and reformist factions within the Iranian political spectrum.

 

Political Stance and Influence

Ali Larijani is often considered a pragmatic conservative. While he aligns with the conservative camp, he has shown flexibility in his approach to governance and diplomacy. His tenure in various roles has showcased his ability to mediate between different political factions and his support for maintaining the Islamic Republic’s ideological foundations while adapting to changing political landscapes.