Iran’s ‘Power Broker’ Larijani Emphasizes: “No Negotiations with the US” [US-Iran War]

Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council who has assumed control over Iran's military and security affairs following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reiterated his stance on March 2 (local time) that Iran "will not negotiate with the United States," reaffirming his determination to resist.

Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran. Yonhap News Agency

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On this day, Secretary Larijani posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), retweeting a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report claiming that Iran was attempting to negotiate with the United States through mediation by Oman. He made it clear that there was no willingness to negotiate. In another post, he criticized, "Trump's delusional fantasies have plunged this region into chaos."

According to the New York Times (NYT), Larijani was entrusted with the authority to manage state affairs by Khamenei himself on February 28, prior to the airstrike. He was reportedly among the targets of airstrikes by the United States and Israel, but avoided the most recent attack.

Iranian experts predict that Larijani, along with former Vice President Mohammad Mokhber-often referred to as Khamenei's right-hand man-will hold real power in a wartime situation.

The United States and Iran have held negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, missile systems, and support for regional proxy forces, but have failed to find common ground.

President Trump, after launching an attack on Iran on February 28, suggested that the use of military force could end quickly, implying the possibility of renewed negotiations. In a media interview that day, he said about returning to diplomatic solutions, "I don't know," adding that "Iran has not met the conditions demanded by the United States so far." Regarding how long the attacks on Iran might continue, he responded, "Since it's a big country, it could take about four weeks, or possibly less."

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