Saeed Jalili, the hardliner: Leading candidate to succeed Ali Larijani
A new contender to succeed Ali Larijani has emerged on the Iranian political scene amid widespread anticipation, as this critical position shapes the balance of power and directly influences the country’s political and security future.
According to CNN, replacing Larijani will not be an easy task, as he has been regarded as one of Iran’s most influential decision-makers. Under the law, Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian is responsible for appointing the new national security advisor.
Speculation is growing that Saeed Jalili, a powerful figure within the regime, could assume the position.
Who is Saeed Jalili?
Jalili has served as the Supreme Leader’s representative on the Supreme National Security Council since 2008. He is not merely a traditional conservative but one of the most rigid figures within the hardline camp, associated with a more confrontational stance toward the West and less inclined toward political openness or negotiation.
He previously served as national security advisor and was Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator. He is currently a member of the Expediency Discernment Council.
Jalili began his diplomatic career in 1989 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he later headed the inspection office until 1996. He then served as senior assistant for American affairs before joining the Supreme Leader’s office between 2001 and 2005.
Following Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s rise to the presidency in August 2005, Jalili was appointed Deputy Foreign Minister for European and American affairs, a role he held until October 2007. During the same period, he also served as an advisor to the president.
In September 2007, he became Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and head of Iran’s nuclear negotiating team with Western countries. On July 28, 2008, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appointed him as his representative on the council.
When Hassan Rouhani came to power, Jalili was dismissed on September 10, 2013, and replaced by Ali Shamkhani. Following his removal, he was appointed in September 2013 by Ali Khamenei as a member of the Expediency Discernment Council, a position he continues to hold.
He ran in the 2013 Iranian presidential election, finishing third, and also entered the 2021 race before withdrawing in favor of Ebrahim Raisi ahead of the vote.
An extremely hardline stance
CNN quotes Iranian analyst, author, and Yale University historian Arash Azizi as saying: “Jalili is extremely hardline and leads the most radical and anti-Western faction within the regime. His appointment would signal a sharp shift toward hardline policies, as Larijani was seen as more moderate and pragmatic.”
Azizi added that “his rigidity could become a weakness for the regime, potentially limiting its ability to navigate the current critical impasse,” noting that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps now holds most of the real power in Iran. This could lead it to favor a figure with greater military experience, better suited to current conditions.
Whoever succeeds Larijani will play a pivotal role in any negotiations aimed at ending the war. As Azizi noted: “With the Supreme National Security Council now serving as Iran’s main power center, Larijani’s successor will shape internal power dynamics and influence the regime’s stance toward the United States and Israel in any potential negotiations.”
Following Larijani’s death, Jalili issued a statement saying: “These actions will not save the weakened enemy from the quagmire it has fallen into, but will instead accelerate its defeat and humiliation,” according to the state-affiliated Tasnim News Agency.
