Ebrahim Raisi: Iran's Hardline President
A Profile of the Controversial Leader
Early Life and Career
Ebrahim Raisi was born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Iran. He is a hardline cleric close to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Raisi began his political career in 1980, when he was appointed prosecutor of Karaj. He later served as prosecutor general of Tehran and head of the judiciary.
Election as President
In June 2021, Raisi was elected president of Iran. He won the election with 62% of the vote, the highest percentage of any Iranian president since the 1979 revolution.
Domestic Policies
Since becoming president, Raisi has implemented a number of hardline policies. These include:
- Cracking down on dissent and arresting political activists
- Enforcing strict dress codes for women
- Reducing Iran's participation in international organizations
Foreign Policy
Raisi has also pursued a hardline foreign policy. He has:
- Withdrawn Iran from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear deal with Western powers
- Increased support for Hezbollah and other Shia militant groups
- Expanded Iran's military presence in the Middle East
Controversy
Raisi is a controversial figure. He has been accused of human rights abuses, including overseeing the execution of thousands of political prisoners in the 1980s.
Despite the controversy, Raisi remains a popular figure among many Iranians. He is seen as a strong leader who is willing to stand up for Iran's interests.
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