Ali Larijani: The Iranian Leader Vowing Retaliation Against the US

Ali Larijani, a seasoned figure in Iranian politics known for his pragmatic approach, has taken a hardline stance following the recent killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohammad Pakpour in US-Israeli airstrikes. Larijani, who serves as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, has vowed a severe response to these actions, marking a significant shift in his tone.

Larijani's statement came shortly after the airstrikes, where he accused the United States and Israel of igniting the Iranian nation's anger. He promised to make these countries regret their actions, signaling a potential escalation in the conflict. This development places Larijani at the forefront of Iran's strategic response during one of its most critical periods since the 1979 revolution.

Born in 1958 in Najaf, Iraq, Larijani is part of a prominent Iranian family often compared to the Kennedys of the United States. His father was a respected religious scholar, and his brothers have held significant positions within Iran's political and judicial systems. Larijani's personal connections to Iran's revolutionary elite are deep-rooted, as he is married to the daughter of a close confidant of Iran's founding leader, Ruhollah Khomeini.

Larijani's educational background is diverse, with degrees in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Western philosophy. He has held various influential roles, including culture minister and head of the state broadcaster, where he faced criticism for restrictive policies. From 2008 to 2020, he served as the speaker of Iran's Parliament, playing a crucial role in shaping policy, including the 2015 nuclear deal.

Although Larijani's political career has seen him run for the presidency twice, he was disqualified both times by the Guardian Council. Despite these setbacks, he returned to a powerful position in 2025 as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. His recent actions, such as canceling a cooperation agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, indicate a more hardline approach.

Despite his current stance, Larijani has been seen as a pragmatic figure open to compromise, particularly due to his support for the 2015 nuclear deal. Before the recent escalation, he was involved in indirect negotiations with the US, facilitated by Oman. However, the airstrikes have effectively closed the door on diplomacy for now.

In his latest address, Larijani assured the Iranian public that leadership succession plans were in place and warned the US against underestimating Iran's stability. He clarified that Iran's targets are US bases, not regional countries, and rejected any notion of new negotiations with Washington. With the region on edge, Larijani has promised a response with unprecedented force, signaling a potential shift in Iran's approach to its adversaries.