Ali Larijani

Ali Larijani is a prominent Iranian politician and conservative figure who has held several influential positions within Iran's government structure. Born in 1957 in Najaf, Iraq, Larijani served as Speaker of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) from 2008 to 2020, making him one of the longest-serving parliamentary speakers in the Islamic Republic's history. He is married and has children, though he maintains a relatively private family life. Larijani resides in Tehran and comes from a notable family of scholars and politicians, with his brothers also holding significant positions in Iranian academia and government.

Throughout his political career, Larijani has been a central figure in Iran's domestic and foreign policy discussions. He previously served as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council from 2005 to 2007 and as head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) from 1994 to 2004. His extensive experience in security, media, and legislative affairs has made him a key voice in Iranian politics, particularly on matters related to nuclear negotiations, regional security, and Iran's relationship with the international community.

Larijani is known for his pragmatic approach to politics and has often positioned himself as a bridge between different political factions within Iran. While considered a conservative, he has demonstrated willingness to engage in dialogue and has been involved in various diplomatic initiatives. His tenure as Parliament Speaker was marked by efforts to balance legislative oversight with support for government policies, particularly during periods of international tension and economic pressure.

His educational background includes advanced studies in philosophy and computer science, having earned a PhD in Western philosophy. This academic foundation has contributed to his reputation as an intellectual within Iranian political circles. Larijani has authored several books and articles on philosophy, politics, and Islamic thought, establishing himself as both a practitioner and theorist of governance.

In recent years, Larijani has remained active in Iranian politics despite stepping down from the parliamentary speakership. He has been mentioned as a potential candidate for presidential elections and continues to participate in key political discussions and advisory roles. His perspectives on Iran's nuclear program, regional conflicts, and economic development remain influential among policymakers and political observers.

Larijani's role in Iran's nuclear negotiations has been particularly significant, as he was directly involved in talks with international powers during his time as nuclear negotiator and later provided legislative support for diplomatic efforts. His understanding of both technical and political dimensions of the nuclear issue has made him a valuable voice in debates over Iran's strategic direction and its engagement with the West.