Ali Larijani: New Leader in Iran's Security

0:00This is Corey, and this episode is brought to you by Surfshark, simple, affordable online privacy. Links in the episode description. Here's what's making news across the globe right now. Veteran Iranian politician Ali Larajani has stepped into the spotlight after an airstrike killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Kaminay. Larajani announced plans for a temporary leadership council to guide the country forward. He's now one of the top figures in Iran's security setup, handling everything from nuclear talks to regional alliances. Earlier this year, Larajani took over a secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, a key role he held 20 years ago. His return came after a short air war with Israel and the United States. He's been busy with trips to Oman for indirect nuclear chats, with Washington and visits to Moscow to strengthen ties with Russia. The United States hit him with sanctions in January for his part in cracking down on anti-government protests that killed thousands.

1:01Rights groups called it the worst unrest since Iran's 1979 revolution. Larajani comes from a powerful clerical family, with brothers in high government spots, and he once led parliament for 12 years. Larajani sounds pragmatic on the nuclear front, saying the issue with the United States is workable if they drop weapon worries. He's pushed back against claims Iran once bombs, stressing the program's peaceful side, and warned against any secessionist moves amid the strikes. As Iran deals with the loss of its top leader and military chief Abdul Rahim Mousavi, Larajani's experience positions him to steer security and diplomacy in these tens times.