Skip to main content

Hard-line brothers seek to oust Iran's old guard conservatives

A new wave of Iranian hard-liners who embrace the teachings of the late Ayatollah Khomeini is looking to replace the entrenched conservatives that the younger grouping thinks have strayed from the path.
TEHRAN, IRAN - MAY 29: Iran's top nuclear negotiator and presidential candidate for the upcoming elections, Saeed Jalili, waves during a campaign rally, attended by his female supporters on May 29, 2013 in Tehran, Iran. Jalili, who is running in next month's presidential elections says he will promote a policy of resistance against the West if elected. The elections are scheduled for June 14 and Jalili has stated that he wishes to revive policies of the 1979 Islamic revolution that brought clerics to power.

Two well-known brothers are once again causing a stir among Iranian hard-liners, leading a relatively younger generation of far-right political conservatives in a revolt against the old guard.

The two are Vahid Jalili, 46, who has been involved in cultural affairs and is a senior figure among the new wave of hard-liners, and his 54-year-old sibling, former nuclear negotiator and presidential candidate Saeed Jalili.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.