Hard-Line Iranian Candidate Jalili Faces Scrutiny for Nuclear Stance

Iranian presidential candidate Saeed Jalili, a staunch nuclear negotiator, stands poised to become the next leader of his country. However, his hard-line views on diplomacy, the hijab, and other issues have raised concerns among observers.

Saeed Jalili, the hard-line Iranian presidential candidate, embodies a return to Tehran's uncompromising diplomatic stance. Once the country's top nuclear negotiator, Jalili's intransigence and unwavering adherence to Iranian principles earned him little respect from Western counterparts.

His lectures and evasive tactics stalled talks during a time when Iran's nuclear program garnered intense scrutiny. The resulting pressure led to the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, easing sanctions on Iran.

Hard-Line Iranian Candidate Jalili Faces Scrutiny for Nuclear Stance

Now, Jalili faces a runoff election against reformist Masoud Pezeshkian. With Iran's nuclear program enriching uranium near-weapons grade, a Jalili victory could freeze negotiations once again.

Jalili's hard-line stance extends beyond diplomacy. His supporters have called for stricter punishment for women who do not wear the mandatory hijab, a move echoing the Taliban's repressive policies.

Hard-Line Iranian Candidate Jalili Faces Scrutiny for Nuclear Stance

Jalili, known for his shock of white hair and beard, earned the moniker "Living Martyr" after losing his leg in the Iran-Iraq war. He rose through the ranks of Iran's Foreign Ministry and Supreme National Security Council, becoming the country's top nuclear negotiator from 2007 to 2013.

Western diplomats, including CIA director William Burns, described Jalili as "a true believer in the Iranian Revolution," with an opaque and inflexible negotiating style. A French diplomat called one round of negotiations with Jalili a "disaster."

Observers fear that Jalili's election could bring an end to the 2015 nuclear deal, which significantly reduced Iran's uranium enrichment capacity. Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but recent threats and increased enrichment levels have raised concerns.

Jalili's strong opposition to the nuclear deal led him to form a "shadow government" during the Rouhani presidency. He has also been endorsed by hard-line ayatollahs who advocate for Iran's right to "special weapons," a veiled reference to nuclear capabilities.

Despite his hard-line views, Jalili has remained vague on how he would handle the hijab dispute. His campaign has called for stricter enforcement, while Jalili himself has posed with women wearing loose hijabs.

Political analyst Mehrdad Khadir warns that Jalili's election could bring a blanket suppression of freedoms across the board, including internet access and women's rights. The Front of Islamic Revolution Stability, a far-right group aligned with Jalili, has proposed 10-year prison sentences for hijab violations.

The election outcome remains uncertain, but Jalili's candidacy has revived concerns about Iran's future direction. His hard-line stance on diplomacy, the hijab, and other issues could potentially exacerbate regional tensions and undermine progress made in recent years.