Biography of Ebrahim Raisi, President of Iran – 2025

Biography of Ebrahim Raisi: Early Life and Education:
Ebrahim Raisi (Persian: ابراهیم رئیسی), born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Iran, hails from a religious family. His father, a cleric, instilled in him a deep connection to Shia Islam. Raisi began his education in Mashhad’s religious seminaries before advancing to Qom, a center of Shia scholarship, where he studied Islamic jurisprudence and theology. He later earned a law degree from Shahid Motahari University in Tehran.

Early Career and Judicial Roles:

Raisi’s career began in Iran’s judicial system during the turbulent post-revolutionary 1980s. He served as a prosecutor in Karaj, Hamadan, and Tehran. His role expanded during the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), a period marked by political repression. Notably, Raisi was part of a judicial panel implicated in the 1988 executions of thousands of political prisoners, a controversial episode that remains a point of international criticism

Rise in the Judiciary:

Raisi ascended through Iran’s judicial hierarchy, becoming Deputy Chief Justice (2004–2014), Attorney General (2014–2016), and finally Chief Justice (2019–2021). His tenure emphasized anti-corruption campaigns but was also criticized for suppressing dissent and targeting activists, journalists, and political opponents.

Political Career and Presidency:

After an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2017 against incumbent Hassan Rouhani, Raisi won the June 2021 election with 62% of the vote. The election faced scrutiny due to low turnout and the disqualification of prominent reformist candidates, leading to allegations of engineered outcomes. He assumed office in August 2021 as Iran’s eighth president, representing the conservative faction.

Domestic and Foreign Policies: Biography of Ebrahim Raisi

• Economy: Raisi inherited an economy strained by U.S. sanctions, inflation, and unemployment. His policies focused on “resistance economy” principles, prioritizing self-reliance and reducing dependency on foreign imports.
• Social Policies: A staunch conservative, he enforced strict adherence to Islamic norms, including heightened morality police enforcement, which sparked widespread protests, notably following the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini.
• Foreign Relations: Raisi maintained Iran’s adversarial stance toward the U.S. and Israel, advocating for regional alliances with Syria, Russia, and China. His administration engaged in diplomatic efforts, such as the 2023 China-brokered détente with Saudi Arabia, while nuclear negotiations remained stalemated.

Controversies and Criticism:

Raisi’s career has been marked by allegations of human rights abuses, particularly his involvement in the 1988 executions. His presidency saw intensified crackdowns on protests, internet restrictions, and executions, drawing condemnation from international bodies like the UN and human rights organizations.

Personal Life:

Raisi is married to Jamileh Alamolhoda, an educator, and has two daughters. Known for his austere lifestyle, he cultivates an image of piety and humility, aligning with his clerical background.

Legacy and Prospects:

As a protégé of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Raisi is regarded as a potential successor to the Supreme Leadership, given his conservative credentials and clerical status. His presidency continues to shape Iran’s trajectory amid domestic unrest and global geopolitical challenges.

Tenure: August 2021–Present
(As of October 2023, Ebrahim Raisi remains the incumbent President of Iran.)

(Note: This biography reflects events up to October 2023. Subsequent developments, including Raisi’s death in a May 2024 helicopter crash, are not included here.)