Ali Asghar Hejazi

Ali Asghar Hejazi is an Iranian cleric and politician, serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran.^[1][2] He previously held the position of Deputy for Foreign Affairs in the Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic of Iran.^[3]

Hejazi plays a key role in coordinating high-level affairs among Iran's branches of government, intelligence agencies (including the Ministry of Intelligence and parallel security institutions), and the implementation of state policies on behalf of the Supreme Leader. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran.^[4]

Hejazi was placed under international sanctions by the European Union in March 2012 and by the United States Department of the Treasury in January 2020 for his alleged involvement in serious human rights violations in Iran.^[5][6]

During the Iran–Israel war, Hejazi reportedly held talks with senior Russian officials to arrange a secure evacuation route for himself and his family from Iran, in the event of further escalation. The current whereabouts of Hejazi are unknown.^[7]

Hejazi is originally from Hamadan and the son of Seyyed Javad Hejazi. In the early years of the Islamic Revolution, he was affiliated with the Islamic Republican Party. After the founding of the Ministry of Intelligence under then-President Khamenei, Hejazi was appointed Deputy for Foreign Affairs. Upon Khamenei's accession as Supreme Leader, Hejazi was named Deputy Chief of Staff in the Supreme Leader's office. He is regarded as a key behind-the-scenes intelligence figure within the Supreme Leader's inner circle.

On 6 August 2000, Ali Khamenei issued a letter to the Islamic Consultative Assembly demanding the withdrawal of a proposed reform to the Press Law. This was considered the first formal Hokm-e Hokoomati ("ruling decree"). Hejazi was the person who officially delivered the letter to Mehdi Karroubi, then Speaker of Parliament.^[8]

According to some sources, Hejazi opposed the Supreme Leader's support for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, even during Ahmadinejad's first term. As a result, Hejazi reportedly did not act as a liaison between the Leader and Ahmadinejad's government.

In April 2012, the European Union sanctioned 17 Iranian officials, including Hejazi, for their role in the suppression of citizens’ rights. He was banned from entering the EU and had his assets frozen.^[9]

On 30 May 2013, the United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned Hejazi for serious human rights violations in the aftermath of the disputed 2009 Iranian presidential election. These sanctions included asset freezes and a travel ban.^[10]

According to multiple human rights organizations, Hejazi has been accused of overseeing repressive measures and suppressing protests under the direct order of the Supreme Leader.^[11][12]

In November 2017, Iranian media reported that Hejazi’s son, Seyyed Mohammad Hossein Hejazi, had been appointed to various public positions starting from the age of 19, including CEO of the Abbasabad Renovation Company. Critics accused Hejazi of using his influence to secure these roles. Others defended him, claiming the appointments were independent decisions made by municipal authorities.^[13]