Ebrahim Raisi is an Iranian politician and jurist who has served in various high-level positions within the Iranian government. Raisi began his career as a prosecutor and judge, eventually rising through the ranks to become the Chief Justice of Iran in 2019. He gained international attention in 2021 when he won Iran’s presidential election, succeeding Hassan Rouhani. Raisi is associated with conservative and hardline factions within Iranian politics and is known for his close ties to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His presidency has significant implications for Iran’s domestic and foreign policies.
Early Life and Education
Ebrahim Raisi, born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Iran, is a significant figure in Iranian politics and the former President of Iran. His full name is Sayyid Ebrahim Raisol-Sadati, reflecting his descent from the Prophet Muhammad through his father’s lineage. Raisi grew up in a religious family, with his father, Sayyid Haji, being a well-respected cleric in Mashhad, a city that houses the revered shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam. This environment deeply influenced Raisi’s early education and worldview.
Raisi began his formal education at a local religious seminary in Mashhad, where he studied under prominent scholars. His early exposure to religious studies set the foundation for his future career. In his teens, he moved to Qom, a city known as the heart of Shia scholarship in Iran. There, he continued his religious education, studying under influential clerics such as Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti and Ayatollah Mohammad-Taqi Mesbah-Yazdi. His education in Qom encompassed both Islamic jurisprudence and political theory, preparing him for a life dedicated to both religion and governance.
Judicial Career
Raisi’s entry into Iran’s judicial system began early. At the age of 20, he was appointed as the prosecutor of Karaj, a city near Tehran. His role in Karaj marked the beginning of a rapid ascent through the judicial ranks. Raisi became known for his strict interpretations of Islamic law and his commitment to the revolutionary principles that had led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979.
By 1985, Raisi had moved to Tehran, where he served as the deputy prosecutor. During the late 1980s, Iran was embroiled in the aftermath of the Iran-Iraq War and dealing with internal dissidence. Raisi’s most controversial period came in 1988, when he was one of the four officials appointed to the so-called “death commission,” which oversaw the mass execution of political prisoners. This event has been a significant point of contention and has attracted widespread criticism from human rights organizations worldwide. Raisi’s role in these executions has cast a long shadow over his career, although he has consistently defended his actions as necessary for the security of the state.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Raisi held several key judicial positions. He served as the head of the General Inspection Office from 1994 to 2004, where he was responsible for investigating and addressing corruption within the government. His reputation as a staunch enforcer of the law was further solidified during his tenure as the First Deputy Head of the Judiciary from 2004 to 2014. In this role, Raisi worked closely with the head of the judiciary, Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, and later, Sadeq Larijani, to implement judicial policies and oversee the administration of justice in Iran.
Political Ascendancy
Raisi’s transition from the judiciary to the political arena began in earnest in 2014 when he was appointed as the Prosecutor General of Iran. This position placed him at the heart of the country’s legal and political system, where he dealt with high-profile cases and was responsible for maintaining law and order. His strict approach to crime and corruption earned him both praise and criticism.
In 2016, Raisi’s political profile received a significant boost when he was appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the custodian of Astan Quds Razavi, the organization that manages the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. This position not only increased his influence but also gave him control over vast economic resources and charitable foundations associated with the shrine. Astan Quds Razavi is one of the wealthiest and most influential institutions in Iran, and Raisi’s stewardship of it further solidified his standing within the conservative establishment.
Raisi’s burgeoning political career culminated in his candidacy for the presidency in 2017. Running as a conservative candidate, he was supported by the Principalist camp, which advocates for preserving the core values of the Islamic Revolution. Despite a vigorous campaign, Raisi was defeated by the incumbent president, Hassan Rouhani, who won a second term with a significant margin. This defeat, however, did not diminish Raisi’s political ambitions or his influence within Iran’s political landscape.
Head of Judiciary
In March 2019, Raisi was appointed by Ayatollah Khamenei as the head of Iran’s judiciary. This role marked the pinnacle of his judicial career and positioned him as a central figure in Iran’s governance. As the head of the judiciary, Raisi focused on combating corruption, promoting transparency, and enhancing the efficiency of the judicial system. He launched several high-profile anti-corruption campaigns targeting both government officials and private sector figures, which were seen as efforts to clean up the country’s political and economic systems.
Raisi’s tenure as the head of the judiciary also included controversial crackdowns on dissent and increased restrictions on freedom of expression. Human rights organizations continued to criticize his record, highlighting cases of political repression and the use of the death penalty. Despite these criticisms, Raisi maintained a strong base of support among conservatives and those who viewed his tough stance on law and order as necessary for the stability and security of the state.
Presidential Campaign and Victory
In 2021, Ebrahim Raisi once again entered the presidential race. This time, the political landscape was different, marked by widespread discontent over economic difficulties, the impact of international sanctions, and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Raisi’s campaign focused on themes of justice, anti-corruption, and economic reform. He promised to address the economic challenges facing ordinary Iranians and to implement policies that would reduce inequality and improve living standards.
Raisi’s candidacy was endorsed by a broad coalition of conservative and hardline factions, and he was seen as the preferred candidate of the Supreme Leader. The election process, however, was marred by allegations of unfairness, with several prominent candidates disqualified by the Guardian Council, the body responsible for vetting candidates. This led to a lower voter turnout and accusations that the election was engineered to ensure Raisi’s victory.
On June 18, 2021, Raisi won the presidential election with a significant majority, securing over 60% of the vote. His victory was a turning point in Iranian politics, signaling a consolidation of conservative power and a potential shift in both domestic and foreign policies.
Presidency
Ebrahim Raisi was inaugurated as the President of Iran on August 5, 2021. His presidency was characterized by a focus on economic challenges, particularly those stemming from international sanctions and the need for domestic reform. Raisi emphasized the importance of economic self-sufficiency, support for domestic industries, and efforts to combat inflation and unemployment.
On the international front, Raisi maintained a firm stance on Iran’s nuclear program, insisting on the country’s right to pursue peaceful nuclear technology while also navigating the complex landscape of negotiations with world powers. His administration sought to balance relations with both Western countries and regional allies, aiming to reduce tensions while protecting Iran’s strategic interests.
Raisi’s presidency also faced significant criticism from human rights organizations. His administration was accused of suppressing dissent, restricting media freedoms, and perpetuating a climate of political repression. These issues remained contentious both within Iran and in the international arena.
Death
Tragically, Ebrahim Raisi’s presidency was cut short by a fatal helicopter crash on May 19, 2024. The helicopter, carrying Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and other officials, crashed in the mountainous northwest region of Iran near the border with Azerbaijan. The crash site was located in a remote, foggy forest area, complicating rescue efforts. All nine individuals on board were confirmed dead.
This incident came at a critical time for Iran, which was grappling with internal economic struggles, mass protests, and heightened tensions in the Middle East. The loss of Raisi, a significant political figure known for his hard-line stance and close alignment with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, added to the nation’s challenges. Following the crash, Mohammad Mokhber, the First Vice President, assumed presidential duties, with a new election to be held within 50 days as per the Iranian constitution.
Personal Life
Ebrahim Raisi was married to Jamileh Alamolhoda, an academic and the daughter of Ahmad Alamolhoda, the influential Friday prayer leader of Mashhad. Jamileh is known for her scholarly work and her involvement in cultural and educational initiatives. The couple had two daughters.
Raisi was known for his modest lifestyle and his adherence to religious and traditional values. His public persona was that of a devout and disciplined individual committed to the principles of the Islamic Revolution. This image resonated with his conservative base, who saw him as a symbol of integrity and commitment to Islamic principles.
Legacy and Impact
Ebrahim Raisi’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. As a figure who moved seamlessly between the judiciary and executive branches of government, he embodied the intersection of religious authority and political power in the Islamic Republic of Iran. His career was marked by both controversy and acclaim, reflecting the polarized nature of Iranian society and politics.
Raisi’s tenure in various judicial and political roles left an indelible mark on Iran’s legal and political landscape. His commitment to conservative values and a strict interpretation of Islamic law influenced the country’s governance and judicial practices. At the same time, his involvement in contentious events, such as the 1988 executions, generated significant criticism and debate about his human rights record.
As president, Raisi’s impact will be measured by his efforts to address Iran’s economic challenges, navigate international relations, and manage internal dissent. His administration’s policies, particularly his anti-corruption initiatives and economic reforms, will be scrutinized for their effectiveness and their impact on the Iranian populace.
Raisi’s sudden death in the helicopter crash brought an abrupt end to his tenure and introduced a period of uncertainty in Iranian politics. His death at a critical juncture, amidst economic hardships and geopolitical tensions, added to the nation’s instability. How his successors handle the transition and continue his policies will play a significant role in shaping Iran’s future.
In the broader context of Iranian history, Raisi’s life and career reflect the ongoing struggle between reformist and conservative elements within the country. His rise to power, supported by hardline factions, demonstrated the enduring influence of conservative ideology in Iran’s political system. His death may lead to shifts in the political landscape, potentially opening the door for new leadership and directions for the nation.
Ebrahim Raisi remains a controversial and significant figure in modern Iranian history. His contributions to the judiciary and his brief presidency have left a lasting impact, and his legacy will continue to be a subject of debate and analysis for years to come.