Khaberni - The decision by Emory University in America to terminate its relationship with Dr. Fatemeh Ardeshir Larijani, the daughter of the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, has sparked widespread controversy in recent days, amid questions about the nature of the decision and whether it was an official dismissal or an unannounced resignation.
The university, in a brief response, confirmed that Dr. Larijani is no longer employed by them, noting that the matter falls within internal administrative affairs, without providing additional details. The university administration also did not clarify whether the decision was related to the American sanctions imposed on her father about 10 days ago, as reported by "Iran International".
What was her role?
Dr. Fatemeh Ardeshir Larijani served as an assistant professor in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Emory University School of Medicine, where her research focused on the mechanisms of immune resistance in lung cancer, and observers noted that her profile page was removed from the university's official website following the announcement of her termination.
This development came after escalating political pressures, as Earl Carter, a member of the U.S. Congress representing Georgia, called for her dismissal and the revocation of her medical license, arguing that her continued work in an American medical institution raises concerns related to patient trust and national security, due to her familial ties to a high-ranking Iranian official under sanctions.
Before the decision, there were organized protest stands in front of the Winship Cancer Institute affiliated with the university, in which Iranian-American activists participated demanding her termination, protesting her father's role in suppressing protests within Iran.
Despite the widespread controversy, the circumstances surrounding the termination of Dr. Larijani's employment remain unclear, in the absence of an official statement specifying whether the step was a direct dismissal or was based on a resignation, and whether it was directly related to the American sanctions imposed on her father.
In January 2026, the United States imposed sanctions on Ali Larijani, accusing him of playing a role in the violent suppression of protests within Iran, in addition to suspicions of his involvement in activities related to "parallel banking" and laundering oil revenues.
This case reflects the increasing pressures on the families of senior Iranian officials abroad, as legal and media actions against what Washington describes as "networks of influence and illicit financing" linked to the Iranian regime intensify.
