I’ve met Ali Larijani several times over the years. Yes, he was a top figure in a nasty regime. B...
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About the Creator
John Simpson is a veteran BBC World Affairs Editor with over 50 years of experience reporting from conflict zones and interviewing global leaders. His style is measured, insightful, and often draws on personal encounters to provide nuanced geopolitical analysis. He is highly credible, known for on-the-ground reporting and BBC's rigorous journalistic standards.
What's This About?
The tweet reflects on John Simpson's personal meetings with Ali Larijani, acknowledging his role in Iran's 'nasty regime' while portraying him as clever and reasonable, potentially suitable for peace negotiations. It questions whether Israel should assassinate figures like him amid heightened tensions. The post emerges in the context of recent events including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Larijani's rise as Iran's de facto strongman and Supreme National Security Council secretary, and his involvement in suppressing 2026 protests and nuclear diplomacy[1][2][3][5].
🔥Why It's Trending
The post is trending due to its timely reflection on Ali Larijani's elevated role following Khamenei's assassination in early 2026 and Israel's reported strikes on Iranian targets, including possibly Larijani himself[1][5]. It fuels debate on targeted killings of pragmatic Iranian leaders amid US-Iran tensions and nuclear talks. The BBC journalist's personal insight adds authenticity as global media covers Iran's leadership vacuum on March 17, 2026[3][6].
💡Fun Facts
- 1Ali Larijani was born in Najaf, Iraq, in 1958 to a prominent Iranian ayatollah family and served as an IRGC brigadier general during the Iran-Iraq War[1][4].
- 2He headed Iran's state broadcaster for 10 years, using it for pro-regime propaganda and airing forced confessions of dissidents[2][4].
- 3Larijani was Iran's chief nuclear negotiator from 2005-2007, advocating a pragmatic approach before resigning over clashes with President Ahmadinejad[1][3].
- 4Disqualified from 2021 and 2024 presidential runs partly because his daughter holds British citizenship and lived in the US[2][3].
- 5Since January 2026, he has been described as effectively running Iran, overseeing the lethal crackdown on anti-regime protests[1][5].
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