Ali Larijani, influential Iranian powerbroker, dies at 67

Tuesday 17 March 2026 - 22:40

Veteran Iranian politician Ali Larijani, long recognized as one of the Islamic Republic’s most influential figures, has died at the age of 67, according to Iranian media. Larijani, a key architect of Iran’s security strategy and a trusted adviser to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, played a pivotal role in shaping Tehran’s domestic and foreign policies for decades.

Born into a prominent clerical family, Larijani rose through the ranks of Iran’s political and military structures following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He served as a commander during the Iran-Iraq war, led the national broadcaster, and presided over parliament as its speaker for twelve years. His tenure as head of the Supreme National Security Council positioned him at the center of sensitive negotiations with Western powers, regional diplomacy, and internal security affairs.

Observers describe Larijani as pragmatic and politically astute, yet unwavering in his commitment to maintaining Iran’s theocratic system. His death marks the passing of a figure whose influence extended far beyond the public eye, shaping key decisions in Iran’s recent history.