An influential political figure within the Iranian regime, Ali Larijani has played a major role in numerous strategic and political decisions. In August 2025, he assumed the position of Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) in Iran.
اضافة اعلان
Larijani has been a prominent face in the Iranian political landscape for decades, holding several sensitive positions. He served as a senior advisor to the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was the Secretary of the SNSC between 2005 and 2007, and presided over the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) for three consecutive terms from 2008 to 2020.
On March 1, 2026, he appeared in a televised address following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes that assassinated top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Larijani asserted that his country would "teach the United States and Israel a lesson they will never forget."
Early Life and Background
Ali Ardeshir Larijani was born on June 3, 1958, in Najaf, Iraq, where his father had emigrated at the time. He hails from a wealthy family originally from the Larijan region in Amol, Iran.
The Larijani family is considered highly influential in Iran’s religious and political hierarchy; Time magazine described them in 2009 as the Iranian version of the Kennedy family. His brothers hold top leadership roles: Sadeq Larijani (head of the Assembly of Experts), Mohammad-Javad Larijani (former human rights chief), Baqer Larijani (academic), and Fazel Larijani (diplomat).
His father, Mirza Hashem Amoli, was a prominent religious scholar and a teacher at the Hawza (Islamic seminary). Ali returned to Iran with his family in 1961. At age 20, he married Farideh Motahhari, daughter of the influential cleric Morteza Motahhari. They have four children: Sara, Fatemeh, Morteza, and Mohammad.
Education and Intellectual Orientation
Larijani earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Sharif University of Technology in 1979, ranking first in his class. He later obtained a Master’s and a PhD in Western Philosophy from the University of Tehran, with a doctoral thesis focused on the German philosopher Immanuel Kant.
Politically, Larijani is classified as a pragmatic conservative. He is considered a strategic theorist for the regime. While he maintained a close relationship with Khamenei, he frequently clashed with former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over nuclear negotiations.
Career and Responsibilities
After the 1979 Revolution, Larijani joined the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) in 1982, eventually becoming its Deputy Commander in 1992. He then transitioned into high-ranking government roles:
Speaker of Parliament (2008–2020): Had a profound impact on domestic and foreign policy legislation.
Secretary of the SNSC (2005–2007): Served as the chief negotiator for Iran’s nuclear program with world powers.
Head of IRIB (1997–2004): Controlled the state’s media and broadcasting policies.
Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance (1994–1997): Served under President Rafsanjani.
Secretary of the National Security Council (2025–2026)
On August 5, 2025, President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed Larijani as Secretary of the SNSC. His tenure was marked by escalating tensions:
October 2025: He announced the cancellation of the cooperation agreement with the IAEA, stating that Rafael Grossi’s reports were no longer influential.
February 2026: He managed indirect negotiations with the U.S. in Muscat, accusing Israel of attempting to sabotage the diplomatic track.
Post-Assassination Address (March 2026): Following the assassination of Ali Khamenei and IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour, Larijani vowed that Iran would "strike the U.S. and Israel with a force never tested before." He warned that any regional bases used by the U.S. would be targeted and accused Donald Trump of "falling into an Israeli trap."
Publications
Deeply influenced by Immanuel Kant, Larijani authored several books, including:
The Method of Mathematics in Kant's Philosophy.
Metaphysics and Exact Sciences in Kant's Philosophy.
Intuitions and Synthetic Propositions in Kant's Philosophy.
Open Air and Modern Government: A Promise to the People.
