Daughter of Top Iranian Official Ousted from Emory University

Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, whose father is a senior Iranian government official, is no longer employed at the university.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The daughter of a top Iranian official, Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, has been quietly ousted from her position as an assistant professor at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute. Ardeshir-Larijani's father, Ali Larijani, is a high-ranking official in Iran's brutal regime, serving as the secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council. Public pressure had been mounting on Emory to terminate Ardeshir-Larijani's employment amid Iran's crackdown on protesters.

Why it matters

The removal of Ardeshir-Larijani from Emory University highlights growing concerns about the ties between Iranian officials and their family members living in the United States. There have been calls to deport individuals with close connections to the Iranian regime, especially as the government has violently suppressed protests.

The details

Emory University confirmed that Ardeshir-Larijani is no longer employed at the school's Winship Cancer Institute. An online petition calling for her deportation has garnered nearly 100,000 signatures, accusing her of never separating herself from her father, who is described as one of the closest allies of Iranian dictator Ali Khamenei. The petition also states that while Ardeshir-Larijani lives peacefully in the U.S., countless young Iranians are dying in Iran due to the policies and decisions made by her father and other Iranian leaders.

  • Ardeshir-Larijani was granted a green card in 2021, during former President Joe Biden's term.
  • Ali Larijani was hit with U.S. sanctions a few weeks ago for being 'one of the first Iranian leaders to call for violence in response to the legitimate demands of the Iranian people.'

The players

Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani

The daughter of a top Iranian official who was an assistant professor at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute, but is no longer employed there.

Ali Larijani

A high-ranking official in Iran's brutal regime, serving as the secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council. He is the father of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani.

Emory University

The university in Atlanta, Georgia, where Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani was previously employed as an assistant professor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Trump Administration is reviewing all immigration benefits granted by the Biden administration to aliens from Countries of Concern, including Iran.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing scrutiny and backlash against family members of Iranian officials living in the United States, as the Iranian government continues to violently suppress protests and dissent within the country.