Ebrahim Raisi

ABOUT

Ebrahim Raisi is an Iranian politician and cleric currently serving as the President of Iran, having assumed office on August 5, 2021. Born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Iran, Raisi has been a prominent figure in the Iranian political landscape for several decades, holding various key positions within the country's judicial and governmental institutions. His presidency follows a distinguished career primarily in the judiciary, where he was notable for his hardline stances and deep ties to the Islamic Republic's core values and institutions.

BEFORE FAME

Before rising to national prominence, Ebrahim Raisi spent a substantial period in legal and clerical roles. He commenced his education in religious studies at a young age, attending the Qom Seminary, one of the most prestigious theological institutions in Iran. In 1981, at just 21 years old, Raisi was appointed as the Prosecutor of Karaj, reflecting his early entry into significant judicial roles. He subsequently held numerous positions of increasing responsibility in Iran's judiciary, including Deputy Prosecutor of Tehran and later as the Prosecutor General of Iran in 2014.

TRIVIA

• Ebrahim Raisi is often recognized for his stringent conservative policies and his alignment with Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• He participated in the controversial "Death Committee" during the 1988 prison massacres, a period in Iranian history that remains highly controversial and a focal point of criticism by international human rights organizations.
• He ran unsuccessfully for the presidency in 2017 before winning the 2021 election with significant support from Iran's political and military establishment.
• Raisi is known for his advocacy for economic and social reforms aligned with the principles of the Islamic Revolution, emphasizing resistance against Western influence.

FAMILY LIFE

Ebrahim Raisi is married to Jamileh Alamolhoda, herself an influential academic and the daughter of Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda, the Friday Prayer leader in Mashhad. The couple has two daughters. Raisi's family background is intertwined with Iran's religious and political elite, which has undoubtedly influenced his career trajectory and political outlook.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout his career, Ebrahim Raisi has been closely associated with several key figures in Iranian politics. Most notably, he has maintained a strong relationship with Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has frequently supported Raisi's appointments and political endeavors. Raisi's alignment with other conservative and hardline figures in Iran's political landscape underscores his position as a pivotal player within the country's ruling establishment.