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Who Is Ali Larijani? Veteran Iranian Leader Slams Donald Trump And Rising Tensions In Middle East

Iran has firmly ruled out restarting negotiations with the United States as fighting spreads across the Middle East. The statement came from senior Iranian leader Ali Larijani at a time when clashes involving Iran, Israel and US forces are intensifying.

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Iran has rejected restarting negotiations with the United States amidst spreading regional conflict, with Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, denying reports of secret diplomacy and criticizing US President Donald Trump's policies. The fighting has expanded beyond Iran and Israel to neighboring countries, resulting in rising casualties, including US service members, and impacting global financial markets.

Tehran's position is clear: under current conditions, there will be no talks with Washington.

Iran Rejects Claims of Secret Diplomacy

Larijani, who serves as Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), dismissed reports suggesting that Tehran had tried to reopen nuclear negotiations through intermediaries.

Some international media outlets claimed that indirect talks had begun after the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. However, Larijani publicly denied these claims and stated that Iran is not pursuing dialogue with the United States at this time.

In a post on social media platform X, he clearly said negotiations are off the table. Other Iranian officials echoed his remarks, showing a united and firm stance.

Strong Words Against Donald Trump

Larijani sharply criticised US President Donald Trump, accusing him of increasing instability in the region.

He claimed that US actions had pushed the Middle East toward chaos and put American troops at greater risk. According to Larijani, Washington's policies have favoured Israel while damaging broader regional stability.

In his public remarks, he said Iran is defending itself and insisted that Iranian forces did not start the aggression. His comments highlight how deeply strained relations between Tehran and Washington have become.

Who Is Ali Larijani?

Ali Larijani is one of the most experienced and influential figures in Iran's political system. A close ally of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, he has held several key positions over the years.

He previously served as Speaker of Iran's Parliament and now leads the Supreme National Security Council, the body responsible for shaping Iran's defence and nuclear strategies.

Larijani comes from a powerful clerical family and has long been involved in major national decisions. He played a role in past nuclear discussions with the United States and has managed strategic relations with countries such as Russia and China.

Reports indicate that he travelled to Oman recently to explore the possibility of indirect nuclear talks, even as US military deployments in the region were increasing.

Role After Khamenei's Death

Following Khamenei's killing in recent strikes, Larijani announced that a temporary leadership council would govern Iran until a new supreme leader is chosen.

He accused the United States and Israel of trying to weaken and divide Iran. He also warned that any attempts to encourage separatist movements inside the country would face strict action.

Views on Iran's Nuclear Programme

Larijani has often described Iran's nuclear dispute with Western nations as solvable through dialogue. He has consistently said that Iran's nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.

At the same time, he has defended Iran's right to enrich uranium and criticised Western demands to limit the programme.

However, the United States sanctioned Larijani earlier this year, accusing him of involvement in overseeing crackdowns on anti-government protests. Human rights organisations have claimed that thousands were killed during those unrest periods.

Conflict Enters Dangerous Phase

The situation worsened after US and Israeli forces launched major strikes on Iranian targets. Iranian state media reported that the attacks killed Ali Khamenei along with several senior military officials.

The developments have pushed the Middle East into one of its most tense and uncertain periods in decades. With Iran promising retaliation and diplomatic talks frozen, fears of a wider regional war continue to grow.

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