The figure of Ali Larijani has always stood out against the backdrop of the complex hierarchy of the Iranian government.
As a result of the destruction of part of Iran's military and political elite, carried out by the USA and Israel, a process of power redistribution has begun in the country. In this context, Ali Larijani has come to the forefront, having repeatedly aspired to the presidency and led the parliament for over a decade.
Larijani, long considered a "cautious heavyweight" and a skillful maneuvering politician, positioned between hardline conservatives and pragmatists, seemed to have lost his influence after his disqualification from the 2021 elections.
However, the situation has radically changed. With the departure of President Ebrahim Raisi and the rise of Masoud Pezeshkian to power, Larijani has not only returned to the political arena but has also taken on a key role in shaping the new political reality.
It is important to note that changes in the relationship with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have become a turning point. While in 2021 Larijani was excluded from the elections by the Guardian Council, in 2024 his status has changed. Larijani has once again become a "special envoy" on crucial issues and has begun to carry out diplomatic assignments from the country's leadership. His recent trips to Lebanon and Syria during the regional crisis underscore that for Tehran, he is the choice for conveying serious political messages.
Moreover, Larijani has become an informal mediator between the office of the Iranian leader and the Pezeshkian government, which, being sincere but inexperienced in political maneuvering, requires strategic guidance.
Many experts describe Larijani as the "big brother" for the current administration. His influence in the Iranian establishment is expressed in the understanding that for the survival of the system, competent governance is necessary, not slogans. This influence manifests itself in personnel policies, economic pragmatism, and the restraint of radicals. Notably, Larijani is also mentioned as one of those responsible for suppressing recent protests in the country.
Among Larijani's associates are many who have taken high positions in the government and advisory bodies. He actively promotes the concept of "rational opening" of the economy and the resumption of negotiations on the nuclear deal with the West, which aligns with Pezeshkian's course.
As a person with significant authority, Larijani led the parliament for 12 years and facilitated the neutralization of attacks from ultra-conservative factions.
Larijani's strengthening is a response of the system to internal and external challenges. In the context of the protests of recent years and increasing pressure from the West, the ruling circles of Iran have felt a lack of "rational conservatives."
Larijani does not advocate for radical reforms that could undermine the foundations of the republic, but he insists on the necessity of an "effective state." This makes him an ideal candidate for stabilizing the situation in the eyes of Ali Khamenei.
Today, Ali Larijani is perceived as the voice of reason in an unstable region. Despite the absence of a presidential seat, his influence on Iran's foreign policy and strategic decisions has likely reached its peak in the last decade, confirming that in Iranian politics, the ability to maintain composure and patience can lead to the heights of power.
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