A comeback after ...
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From 2008 to 2020 when Iran was going through consequential political and economic developments, Larijani served as speaker of the Iranian Parliament for three consecutive terms, representing the holy city of Qom. As a moderate and seasoned figure, he managed to strike a relatively functional balance among the three branches of power. Under President Rouhani, and following the costly foreign policy legacy of Ahmadinejad, Larijani threw his weight behind the JCPOA and worked to align the Legislature with the 2015 nuclear accord. That support came at a political price, with critics branding the ratification process the “20-minute approval” and possibly contributing to his later disqualifications from presidential races.
Though rumors had circulated early in Pezeshkian’s presidency about Larijani’s possible return to the SNSC, it wasn’t until after Israel’s military aggression that the appointment was finalized. Many analysts view Larijani’s comeback as a sign that decision-making institutions are leaning back toward technocratic expertise and rationality.
At a time when national security issues and sensitive dossiers demand precise and coordinated decision-making, Larijani’s experience and expertise could prove pivotal in enhancing the quality of management in these areas.
His prior track record in handling Iran’s nuclear file and regional diplomacy suggests that Iran may now place stronger emphasis on strategic policies and balancing “hard” and “soft” power in the national security framework. Ultimately, the success of this approach will depend on how Larijani leverages his relationships across the political establishment and his ability to leverage a range of tools in dealing with foreign actors.