BBC: A year before President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stands for re-election in Iran, he is facing a major new challenge. His former chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, has been voted speaker of parliament.
In effect, Mr Larijani becomes the leader of the opposition, in a strong position to stand against Mr Ahmadinejad in the elections. It also comes at a time of growing discontent over Mr Ahmadinejad's eccentric handling of the Iranian economy.
Mr Larijani is a fellow conservative. But he is seen as more of a pragmatist than the president.
Mr Larijani is the man who helped end the crisis over the captured British sailors in 2007.
Last autumn, he lost his job as chief nuclear negotiator because of what was seen as this more pragmatic approach.
He was replaced by the hardline deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Jalili.
Contrasting language
Ironic then, that Mr Larijani marked his election as speaker with an uncompromising speech, bitterly critical of the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA).
He accused the agency of "deception". And he said the Iranian parliament might put limits on Tehran's co-operation with the nuclear agency if it was not given a fairer hearing.
His comments drew chants of "God is great" and "Death to America" from members of parliament. Analysis: The Rise of Ali Larijani >>> By Jon Leyne | May 28, 2008
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback - UK)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardback - UK)
