Was Iran's President Good Or Bad? A Deep Dive

Miss Breanna Baumbach DDS 18 Jun 2025

The question of whether Iran's president has been "good" or "bad" is far from simple, steeped in the complexities of geopolitics, domestic policies, and a nation's struggle for identity and influence. Evaluating the tenure of any leader, especially one from a country as frequently scrutinized as Iran, requires a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the multifaceted challenges and achievements, as well as the criticisms and controversies. This article delves into the presidency, particularly focusing on the recent past, to provide a comprehensive understanding.

From internal crackdowns to ambitious regional strategies, the actions of Iran's president have reverberated both within its borders and across the international stage. We will explore various facets of their leadership, drawing on key events and perspectives to paint a balanced picture, moving beyond simplistic labels to grasp the intricate realities.

Unpacking the Legacy: Was Iran's President Good or Bad?
Ebrahim Raisi: A Life in Iranian Politics
- Early Life and Rise to Power
- The 2021 Election and Consolidation of Power
Key Policies and Domestic Impact
- Clampdown on Morality and Internal Dissent
- Economic Challenges and Daily Life
Foreign Policy and Regional Influence
The Nuclear Deal and Western Relations
The Shadow of Succession: Raisi's Role and Demise
Global Reactions and Future Implications
Navigating Bias: Understanding the Narrative

Unpacking the Legacy: Was Iran's President Good or Bad?

To truly assess whether Iran's president has been "good" or "bad," one must first define the criteria. Is it economic prosperity for the populace, adherence to human rights, regional stability, or national strength and defiance against external pressures? Often, these metrics are in conflict, and what one group perceives as a success, another might view as a grave failure. The office of the president in the Islamic Republic of Iran (Persian: رئیس‌جمهور ایران) is a powerful one, yet it operates within the framework of the Supreme Leader's ultimate authority, a dynamic that adds layers of complexity to any evaluation. The recent tenure of Ebrahim Raisi, for instance, offers a compelling case study for this very question, marked by significant domestic and international developments.

Ebrahim Raisi: A Life in Iranian Politics

Ebrahim Raisi, whose presidency ended tragically in a helicopter crash, was a pivotal figure in recent Iranian history. His journey to the top office was long and controversial, marked by a deep commitment to the conservative establishment. Understanding his background is crucial to evaluating his actions as Iran's president.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Born in Mashhad in 1960, Ebrahim Raisi embarked on a career in the judiciary early in his life, rising through the ranks swiftly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He held various key judicial positions, including prosecutor general of Tehran, first deputy chief justice, and eventually attorney general of Iran. His long history within the judicial system, particularly his alleged involvement in the mass executions of political prisoners in 1988, made him a controversial figure internationally and among Iranian dissidents. However, within the conservative establishment, this history solidified his credentials as a staunch defender of the revolution's principles. His consistent loyalty and hardline stance positioned him as a favored figure among the clerical elite, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The 2021 Election and Consolidation of Power

Raisi's path to the presidency culminated in the 2021 election. His victory was largely seen as a move by the establishment to consolidate power under a hardline leadership, especially given the disqualification of many reformist and moderate candidates. As noted in the provided data, "His election in 2021 consolidated the" power of the conservative faction within Iran. This outcome signaled a clear shift away from the more moderate approach of his predecessor, Hassan Rouhani, and set the stage for a presidency focused on internal control and a more confrontational foreign policy. The election of Iran's president, in this instance, was a strategic move within the country's complex political landscape. **Ebrahim Raisi: Biodata** | Attribute | Details | | :------------------ | :--------------------------------------------- | | **Full Name** | Sayyed Ebrahim Raisolsadati (Ebrahim Raisi) | | **Born** | December 14, 1960 | | **Birthplace** | Mashhad, Pahlavi Iran (now Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran) | | **Died** | May 19, 2024 | | **Cause of Death** | Helicopter crash | | **Education** | Qom Seminary (religious studies) | | **Political Party** | Combatant Clergy Association | | **Key Roles** | Prosecutor General of Tehran (1989-1994) | | | Head of General Inspectorate Organization (1994-2004) | | | First Deputy Chief Justice (2004-2014) | | | Attorney General of Iran (2014-2016) | | | Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi (2016-2019) | | | Chief Justice of Iran (2019-2021) | | | President of Iran (2021-2024) |

Key Policies and Domestic Impact

During his tenure, Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi pursued policies that significantly impacted the daily lives of Iranians and the country's internal political climate. His approach was largely characterized by a commitment to the foundational principles of the Islamic Revolution, often prioritizing ideological purity and national security over economic liberalization or social reforms.

Clampdown on Morality and Internal Dissent

One of the most prominent features of Raisi's presidency was a noticeable "clampdown on morality questions." This intensified enforcement of Islamic dress codes and social norms led to widespread protests, particularly following the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. The government's response to these protests was severe, resulting in numerous arrests, injuries, and deaths. This period highlighted the deep divisions within Iranian society regarding personal freedoms and the role of the state in regulating private life. For many, this crackdown represented a significant negative aspect of his leadership, infringing upon basic human rights and exacerbating social tensions. Conversely, his supporters viewed these measures as necessary to uphold Islamic values and maintain social order.

Economic Challenges and Daily Life

Economically, Raisi's presidency faced immense pressure, largely due to crippling international sanctions and internal mismanagement. The "Data Kalimat" mentions that "It's gotten really challenging to live there," a sentiment echoed by many Iranians grappling with high inflation, unemployment, and a depreciating national currency. Despite Raisi's promises to improve the economy and alleviate poverty, the reality for many citizens remained grim. The "remarkably bad year for Iran" highlighted the cumulative effect of these pressures, which included not only economic woes but also social unrest and geopolitical tensions. While the president of Iran has limited control over all economic factors, the administration's policies and its ability to navigate international isolation directly impacted the livelihoods of millions.

Foreign Policy and Regional Influence

Under Ebrahim Raisi, Iran's foreign policy was marked by a strategic push to expand its regional influence and strengthen its network of allies, often referred to as the "axis of resistance." The provided data states that "In his tenure as president, he oversaw a strategy to expand his country’s regional influence — backing" various groups and movements across the Middle East. This strategy aimed to counter perceived threats from regional rivals like Israel and Saudi Arabia, and from the United States. However, this aggressive regional posture also came with significant challenges. The "axis of resistance" has faced setbacks, with the data noting that it "has unraveled" in some respects. This could refer to various developments, including internal divisions, military defeats, or shifts in regional alliances. For instance, while Israel is a U.S. ally, Iran's allies include Russia, indicating a broader geopolitical alignment that shaped its foreign policy decisions. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the U.S. seeking Saudi Arabia and Israel to normalize relations further complicated Iran's regional standing, forcing it to recalibrate its strategies and deal with its proxies in a volatile environment. The effectiveness of Iran's president in achieving its regional objectives remains a subject of intense debate among experts like Gerecht, a resident scholar at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and Takeyh, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, both of whom analyze the intricate dynamics of the region.

The Nuclear Deal and Western Relations

The nuclear program has consistently been at the heart of Iran's conflict with Israel and its strained relations with Western powers. Nearly 10 years ago, the United States and other world powers reached a landmark nuclear agreement with Iran, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). However, this deal faced significant challenges, particularly when President Donald Trump walked away from it seven years later. During Raisi's presidency, the prospect of reviving the nuclear deal with the West remained a contentious issue. While the "Data Kalimat" mentions that "Iran’s new president is a reformist and heart surgeon who uses English business jargon and wants to revive the nuclear deal with the West by Golnar Motevalli by Arsalan Shahla" (referring to the *new* president, Masoud Pezeshkian, after Raisi's death), Raisi's own stance was generally more hardline. He was skeptical of Western intentions and insisted on significant concessions from the U.S. and European powers before any full return to the deal. This often led to diplomatic stalemates, further isolating Iran and deepening the economic crisis. The tension was exacerbated by threats from figures like Donald Trump, who repeatedly pushed for a nuclear deal while also threatening Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump's past statements, such as "we know exactly where" Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "is hiding," but adding, "we are not going to take him out (kill!), at least for now," underscored the high-stakes nature of these negotiations. The U.S. weighing the option of heading back into a war in the Middle East, as discussed by "8 experts on what happens if the United States bombs Iran," further highlighted the perilous state of relations. The approach of Iran's president on this critical issue significantly shaped the country's international standing and its security outlook.

The Shadow of Succession: Raisi's Role and Demise

Ebrahim Raisi was not just Iran's president; he was widely seen as a strong contender to be Iran's next Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His hardline credentials, his long service in the judiciary, and his close alignment with Khamenei's vision made him a formidable candidate for the highest office. His death in a helicopter crash on Sunday, May 19, 2024, therefore sent shockwaves through Iran's political landscape, creating an immediate succession crisis for the presidency and a longer-term question mark over the Supreme Leadership. The crash, which also killed Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and others, occurred in mountainous terrain. The immediate aftermath saw Vice President Mohammad Mokhber assume the duties of the presidency, as mandated by the Iranian constitution. A council consisting of Mokhber, Qalibaf (the parliamentary speaker), and the judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i was tasked with organizing new elections within 50 days. Raisi's death has profound implications for both Iran and the Middle East, especially given the ongoing regional conflicts and diplomatic efforts, such as the U.S. seeking Saudi Arabia and Israel to normalize relations while Israel and Gaza are at war and Iran's proxies remain active. His demise removed a key figure in the succession planning for the Supreme Leader, leaving a void that will undoubtedly be filled by other hardline figures, but not without potential internal maneuvering.

Global Reactions and Future Implications

The death of Iran's president, Ebrahim Raisi, elicited varied reactions globally and has set in motion a series of events that will shape Iran's future trajectory. Domestically, the immediate focus was on the transition of power and the upcoming presidential elections. Mohammad Mokhber, the first vice president, swiftly took over interim duties, ensuring constitutional continuity. The sudden vacancy also brought to the forefront the question of who might succeed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a long-term strategic concern for the Iranian establishment. Internationally, the implications are significant. The "Data Kalimat" directly asks: "What effect will his death have on both Iran and the Middle East, especially since the US is seeking Saudi Arabia and Israel to normalize relations and Israel and Gaza are at war while also having to deal with Iran's proxies?" Raisi's hardline stance had defined Iran's foreign policy, particularly its confrontational approach to the West and its support for regional proxy groups. His absence might lead to a period of uncertainty or, potentially, a slight shift in diplomatic tone, though fundamental policies are unlikely to change drastically given the Supreme Leader's ultimate authority. The mention of "Mohammad Javad Zarif’s resignation shocked Iran’s political circles and came as president Masoud Pezeshkian announced that his cabinet would include several conservatives and only one woman" indicates that a new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist and heart surgeon, has now taken office. His stated desire to "revive the nuclear deal with the West" suggests a potential, albeit cautious, opening for renewed negotiations. However, the core challenges remain: Israel's continued operations, including its alleged "decimating the country’s military leadership and nuclear program with its punishing air," and the broader regional power struggles. The future of Iran's foreign policy, particularly regarding its nuclear program and regional proxies, will be closely watched by the international community.

Navigating Bias: Understanding the Narrative

When evaluating the legacy of Iran's president, it is crucial to acknowledge the pervasive issue of media bias. As the provided data wisely states, "No, you should view western media as biased, Just like iran's will be biased." This is a fundamental principle for any informed observer. Western media often frames events through a lens that emphasizes human rights abuses, nuclear proliferation concerns, and regional destabilization, reflecting the geopolitical interests and values of Western governments. Conversely, Iranian state media typically portrays its leaders as strong, principled figures defending national sovereignty and Islamic values against external aggression. Personal experiences, as highlighted by the sentiment "I lived in Iran until grade 5 and have visited multiple times and have active family, It's gotten really challenging to live there," offer invaluable, though anecdotal, insights that often contradict or complicate official narratives from either side. These personal accounts underscore the real-world impact of policies on ordinary citizens, which can be obscured by political rhetoric. To form a truly balanced opinion on whether Iran's president was "good or bad," one must critically assess information from diverse sources, understand the motivations behind different narratives, and consider the varying perspectives of those directly affected by the policies.

Conclusion

The question of whether Iran's president, particularly Ebrahim Raisi, was "good" or "bad" is deeply complex, with no easy answer. His tenure was marked by a firm consolidation of hardline power, a significant crackdown on internal dissent and morality issues, and an assertive, though at times challenged, regional foreign policy. Economically, his presidency faced severe headwinds, leaving many Iranians struggling with daily life. On the international stage, relations with the West remained strained, particularly concerning the nuclear deal, while tensions with regional adversaries like Israel intensified. Ultimately, evaluating Iran's president depends heavily on one's perspective and priorities. For his supporters, Raisi was a steadfast defender of the revolution's principles, a bulwark against foreign influence, and a leader committed to national strength. For his critics, he represented a regressive force, responsible for human rights abuses and economic hardship, further isolating Iran on the global stage. As Iran transitions to a new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, the fundamental challenges remain, but the leadership style and diplomatic approach may evolve. We encourage you to share your thoughts on this complex topic in the comments below. What aspects of Iran's presidency do you find most impactful? Do you believe a new approach is needed, or should the country continue its current trajectory? Your insights contribute to a richer understanding of this vital global issue. For more in-depth analysis on Middle Eastern politics and international relations, explore other articles on our site.

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