Iran’s Presidential Genesis: The First to Lead

By Konsorsium Biologi
In Politics & Government
January 18, 2024
4 Min Read
I

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, born on September 24, 1902, in Khomein, Iran, holds the distinction of being the first President of Iran following the Iranian Revolution.

Khomeini’s Background and History:

  • Khomeini’s father, Ayatollah Seyyed Mustafa Hindi, was a prominent cleric.
  • He received his early religious education in his hometown before moving to the holy city of Qom to pursue higher studies.
  • Khomeini became a Marja’ (a high-ranking cleric) and gained a reputation for his profound understanding of Islamic jurisprudence and philosophy.
  • He actively opposed the Pahlavi dynasty’s rule in Iran, leading to his arrest and exile on several occasions.

Ethnicity:

  • Khomeini was an ethnic Persian.
  • He belonged to the Twelver Shia branch of Islam, the largest denomination in Iran.

Achievements, Legacy, and Popular Recognition:

  • Khomeini played a pivotal role in the Iranian Revolution, which toppled the Pahlavi monarchy and established the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979.
  • He served as Iran’s Supreme Leader, the highest political and religious authority in the country, from 1979 until his death in 1989.
  • Khomeini’s leadership during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) solidified his position as a national hero and a symbol of resistance against foreign aggression.
  • His economic policies, emphasizing self-sufficiency and social justice, had a significant impact on Iran’s economy and society.
  • Khomeini is widely recognized for his charismatic leadership, revolutionary zeal, and deep understanding of Islamic teachings.
  • His legacy continues to shape Iran’s political and religious landscape, both domestically and internationally.

Popular Beliefs and Anecdotes:

  • Khomeini was known for his austere lifestyle and his emphasis on simple living.
  • He was deeply revered by his followers, who saw him as a beacon of hope and a source of spiritual guidance.
  • Anecdotes about Khomeini’s wisdom, humor, and compassion are widely shared among his admirers.
  • His image and quotes continue to be displayed in public spaces and homes throughout Iran.

In summary, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s impact on Iran’s history, politics, and society cannot be overstated. As the first President and Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, his legacy continues to influence the nation’s trajectory and remains a subject of immense interest and debate.

The president of Iran (Persian: رئیس‌جمهور ایران, romanized: Rayis Jomhur-e Irān) is the head of government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The president is the second highest-ranking official of Iran after the Supreme Leader. The president is required to gain the Supreme Leader's official approval before being sworn in by the Parliament and the Supreme Leader has the power to dismiss the elected president if he has either been impeached by Parliament or found guilty of a constitutional violation by the Supreme Court. The president carries out the decrees, and answers to the Supreme Leader, who functions as the country's head of state. Unlike the executive in other countries, the president of Iran does not have full control over the government, which is ultimately under the direct control of the Supreme Leader. Before elections, the nominees must be approved by the guardian council to become a president candidate. Members of the guardian council are chosen by the supreme leader. The president of Iran is elected for a four-year term by direct vote and is not permitted to run for more than two consecutive terms. Chapter IX of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran sets forth the qualifications for presidential candidates. The procedures for presidential election and all other elections in Iran are outlined by the Supreme Leader. The president functions as the executive of the decrees and wishes of the Supreme Leader, including: signing treaties with foreign countries and international organizations; and administering national planning, budget, and state employment affairs.The president also appoints the ministers, subject to the approval of Parliament, as well as to that of the Supreme Leader, who can dismiss or reinstate any of the ministers and vice presidents at any time, regardless of the president or parliament's decision. The Supreme Leader also directly chooses the ministers of Defense, Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, and Interior, as well as certain other ministries, such as the Science Ministry. Iran's regional policy is directly controlled by the office of the Supreme Leader with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ task limited to protocol and ceremonial occasions. All of Iran's ambassadors to Arab countries, for example, are chosen by the Quds Corps, which directly reports to the Supreme Leader.The current long-time Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, ruling Iran for more than three decades, has issued decrees and made final decisions on economy, education, environment, foreign policy, national planning, and almost everything else in the country. Khamenei has also made final decisions on the degree of transparency in elections in Iran, and has fired and reinstated presidential cabinet appointments.The current president of Iran is Ebrahim Raisi, who assumed office on 3 August 2021, after the 2021 presidential election. He succeeded Hassan Rouhani, who served 8 years in office from 2013 to 2021.

Emblem of Iran

To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Indonesia, India and Iceland. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.

The president of Iran (Persian: رئیس‌جمهور ایران, romanized: Rayis Jomhur-e Irān) is the head of government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The president is the second highest-ranking official of Iran after the Supreme Leader. The president is required to gain the Supreme Leader's official approval before being sworn in by the Parliament and the Supreme Leader has the power to dismiss the elected president if he has either been impeached by Parliament or found guilty of a constitutional violation by the Supreme Court. The president carries out the decrees, and answers to the Supreme Leader, who functions as the country's head of state. Unlike the executive in other countries, the president of Iran does not have full control over the government, which is ultimately under the direct control of the Supreme Leader. Before elections, the nominees must be approved by the guardian council to become a president candidate. Members of the guardian council are chosen by the supreme leader. The president of Iran is elected for a four-year term by direct vote and is not permitted to run for more than two consecutive terms. Chapter IX of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran sets forth the qualifications for presidential candidates. The procedures for presidential election and all other elections in Iran are outlined by the Supreme Leader. The president functions as the executive of the decrees and wishes of the Supreme Leader, including: signing treaties with foreign countries and international organizations; and administering national planning, budget, and state employment affairs.The president also appoints the ministers, subject to the approval of Parliament, as well as to that of the Supreme Leader, who can dismiss or reinstate any of the ministers and vice presidents at any time, regardless of the president or parliament's decision. The Supreme Leader also directly chooses the ministers of Defense, Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, and Interior, as well as certain other ministries, such as the Science Ministry. Iran's regional policy is directly controlled by the office of the Supreme Leader with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ task limited to protocol and ceremonial occasions. All of Iran's ambassadors to Arab countries, for example, are chosen by the Quds Corps, which directly reports to the Supreme Leader.The current long-time Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, ruling Iran for more than three decades, has issued decrees and made final decisions on economy, education, environment, foreign policy, national planning, and almost everything else in the country. Khamenei has also made final decisions on the degree of transparency in elections in Iran, and has fired and reinstated presidential cabinet appointments.The current president of Iran is Ebrahim Raisi, who assumed office on 3 August 2021, after the 2021 presidential election. He succeeded Hassan Rouhani, who served 8 years in office from 2013 to 2021.

The official residence and symbol of the Iran President

10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Iran’s History

The President's Office in Iran
The President’s Office in Iran

Iran has had a number of presidents since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. Here are 10 of the most popular presidents from Iran:

  • Mohammad Khatami: Mohammad Khatami served as the president of Iran from 1997 to 2005. He was known for his reformist agenda and called for greater civil liberties and social freedoms. Khatami was popular among the younger generation and advocated for dialogue among civilizations.
  • Hassan Rouhani: Hassan Rouhani has been the president of Iran since 2013. He is a moderate and has pursued a policy of engagement with the international community. Rouhani played a key role in the negotiation and signing of the Iran nuclear deal in 2015.
  • Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad served as the president of Iran from 2005 to 2013. He was known for his controversial statements and confrontational approach with the West. Ahmadinejad pursued populist economic policies but faced criticism for his human rights record.
  • Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani: Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was the fourth president of Iran, serving from 1989 to 1997. He played a key role in the development of Iran’s nuclear program and was known for his pragmatism and economic reforms. Rafsanjani was a prominent figure in Iranian politics until his death in 2017.
  • Mohammad-Ali Rajai: Mohammad-Ali Rajai was the second president of Iran, serving from 1981 until his assassination in 1981. He was a member of the Islamic Republican Party and played a critical role in the overthrow of the Shah during the Iranian Revolution. Rajai’s presidency was cut short by his tragic death just weeks after taking office.
  • Ali Khamenei: Ali Khamenei has been the Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989. Although not directly elected as president, he holds significant power and influence in Iran. Khamenei has been a key figure in shaping Iranian policy and maintaining the country’s Islamic identity.
  • Mohammad Khatami
  • Hassan Rouhani
  • Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
  • Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani
  • Mohammad-Ali Rajai
  • Ali Khamenei

About the author

Konsorsium Biologi
View all posts

Read more

Recent News

Popular Topics

24 Hour Clinic Automotive Business Education Europe Famous People Foster Parents Mens Haircut Politics & Government Popular Knowledge Popular Plants Rental Stores Tutorial United States University Wildflower Seed

Media Partner

Save