Behind the headlines of US-Iran negotiations and regional tensions, a pivotal figure often works out of the spotlight: Ali Larijani. This 68-year-old veteran politician is Iran’s top security chief and a crucial architect of Tehran’s nuclear policy and strategic diplomacy. While he might not always be at the negotiating table, his influence is undeniable.
Larijani is a master of balance, navigating complex geopolitical waters with a blend of ideological loyalty and pragmatic statecraft. He enjoys the deep trust of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a confidence earned over a distinguished career spanning the military, media, and legislative bodies. After the 2025 Iran-Israel war, Larijani returned to head the Supreme National Security Council, coordinating defense strategies and overseeing nuclear matters – a role he held nearly two decades prior.
Recently, Larijani has stepped onto the diplomatic stage, engaging with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Gulf officials as Iran cautiously re-enters nuclear talks with Washington. Observers see his return as a signal of a more pragmatic turn in Iran’s security management. He’s known for supporting nuclear negotiations, including the 2015 deal, and insists that talks with the US should focus solely on the nuclear file, defending uranium enrichment as a sovereign right.
Despite facing US sanctions and acknowledging economic pressures that led to recent protests, Larijani maintains that a war with Washington is unlikely. His long-term ambitions are clear, with many believing he eyes Iran’s highest office. This blend of loyalty, pragmatism, and ambition makes Ali Larijani a key player to watch in the evolving landscape of Iranian foreign policy.
