Ali Akbar Velayati is often referred to as the “Father of Jobs” or “Abul-Mashaghel,” a title earned through his accumulation of 63 official job titles. One of Velayati’s prominent roles within Ali Khamenei’s office is serving as the foreign minister for the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader. This is a role playing a crucial part in shaping the policies of the Islamic Republic, particularly in international affairs. His position grants him immunity from criticism and shields him from transparency, given his influential role within the office of Khamenei.
As a hardliner, Velayati perceives himself as an unofficial foreign minister of the Islamic Republic. This is a figure which is actively involved in providing advice and implementing Khamenei’s policies. In 2019, he participated in a meeting between Khamenei and the President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad. This was in the absence of Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif highlighting the intimate connection between Khamenei and Velayati. Following this, Zarif submitted his resignation letter to President Rouhani, but it was not accepted. Currently, Velayati uses his influential position to control diverse government entities, such as the Expediency Discernment Council, foreign relations, and international affairs.
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