Hard-line Iranian presidential candidate Saeed Jalili, Tehran’s former top nuclear negotiator, is known for his unyielding stance and lengthy lectures that stalled 2008 nuclear talks. His approach, supported by President Ahmadinejad and Supreme Leader Khamenei, pressured the West until the 2015 nuclear deal eased sanctions. Now, Jalili faces reformist Masoud Pezeshkian in a runoff election. With Iran enriching uranium near weapons-grade, Jalili’s potential win could freeze negotiations. His hard-line vision, likened to the Taliban, risks public unrest, especially after the 2022 crackdown following Mahsa Amini’s death. Jalili, a war veteran, is dubbed the “Living Martyr.”