Key Figures and Leaders

Through his close relationship with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Saeed Jalili has proven an influential figure within the politics of the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly as a proponent of the regime’s aggressive foreign policy and nuclear program. He built his reputation as a zealous ideologue on the world stage when he was appointed as President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s nuclear negotiator.  Over the course of his career, he has adopted the role of hardline ideological enforcer for Khamenei’s office, applying pressure to the administration of Hassan Rouhani when it was seen as falling out of line with the Supreme Leader’s directives. Through his extremely ideological posturing, Jalili has also been able to cultivate a significant support base amongst the small but radical social constituency of the Islamic Republic, not least among younger generations of the Basij paramilitary force and so-called hezbollahi youth.  Though he has maintained a relatively behind-the-scenes profile in recent years, Jalili has remained politically involved through his connections and the ascension of his protégés to higher office. By declaring his intention to run for president on May 30, 2024 to succeed Ebrahim Raisi following his unexpected death, he offers Khamenei a loyal choice and the opportunity to signal an even more antagonistic turn in the regime’s foreign policy. 

Iran’s constitution provides broad guidance on the characteristics sought in candidates for the position of supreme leader.  Article 5 stipulates that the ideal individual be: “just, pious, knowledgeable about his era, courageous, a capable and efficient administrator…”  Article 109 elaborates that the individual should have “[s]cholarship, as required for performing the functions of religious leader in different fields; required justice and piety in leading the Islamic community; and right political and social perspicacity, prudence, courage, administrative facilities, and adequate capability for leadership.”  It’s this conglomerate of religious, administrative, and political qualities that will prove pivotal in determining the right figure for the job.