In the wake of a 12-day conflict, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has appointed Ali Larijani to a prominent role within Iran’s government. Larijani, a known critic of President Masoud Pezeshkian, will lead the National Security Council. This appointment marks a significant development in the country’s leadership. Larijani, aged 68, will be taking over from Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, who was affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Larijani comes from an influential Shia Muslim family and has a long history of government service. He holds a doctorate in philosophy and formerly served in the IRGC. He was also a speaker of the parliament from 2008 to 2020 and supported the 2015 nuclear agreement.