Iran's Presidency: Navigating Power, Policy, And Succession

Hannah Stiedemann 18 Jun 2025

The Iranian presidency is a pivotal, yet often misunderstood, office within the Islamic Republic's complex political structure. While the Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority, the president serves as the public face of Iranian foreign policy and manages crucial domestic and economic affairs. Recent events, particularly the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi and the subsequent election of Masoud Pezeshkian, have once again thrust the intricacies of the Iran Presidency into the global spotlight, prompting questions about the nation's direction and its relationship with the world.

Understanding the role of the president in Iran requires a deep dive into its history since the 1979 revolution, the inherent limitations of the office, and the personalities who have occupied it. From reformists to hardliners, each president has navigated a delicate balance of power, striving to implement their agenda while operating within the confines set by the Supreme Leader. This article will explore the evolution of the Iranian presidency, examine the recent seismic shifts, and consider what the future might hold for this influential position.

The Unique Landscape of the Iranian Presidency
A Recent History: Hassan Rouhani's Tenure (2013-2021)
Ebrahim Raisi: A Presidency Cut Short and Its Legacy
- Rise to Power and Controversial Past
- The Tragic Helicopter Crash of May 2024
Masoud Pezeshkian: The Ninth President and a New Chapter
- Biography and Political Profile
- Promises and Challenges: Economic Sanctions and Beyond
The Presidency Since the 1979 Revolution: A Historical Overview
The Iranian Presidency and International Relations: A Complex Dance
The Future of the Iranian Presidency: Stability Amidst Change

The Unique Landscape of the Iranian Presidency

The office of the Iranian President is unlike any other in the world. While a president in many nations holds the ultimate executive power, in Iran, this power is inherently limited by design. The Supreme Leader, currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stands at the apex of the political and religious hierarchy, holding final say on all major state matters, including foreign policy, military decisions, and even key domestic appointments. This unique structure means that while the president is the direct representative of Iranian foreign policy to the world, their actions are always within the confines set by the Supreme Leader's vision and directives.

Despite these limitations, the president's role is far from ceremonial. They are responsible for managing economic and domestic policy, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the government, and implementing the Supreme Leader's broader strategies. This includes navigating complex economic challenges, addressing social issues, and engaging with international bodies. The president's ability to effectively manage these portfolios, often under the shadow of international sanctions and domestic pressures, significantly impacts the lives of ordinary Iranians and shapes the country's global standing. The dynamic between the elected president and the appointed Supreme Leader is a constant tension, defining the trajectory of the Islamic Republic.

A Recent History: Hassan Rouhani's Tenure (2013-2021)

Before the recent dramatic shifts, the Iranian presidency was held by Hassan Rouhani for eight years, from 2013 to 2021. A relatively moderate cleric, Rouhani's tenure was largely defined by his efforts to improve Iran's relations with the West and alleviate the burden of international sanctions. His most significant achievement was the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, which saw Iran agree to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. This period brought a brief respite for the Iranian economy and fostered a sense of cautious optimism.

However, Rouhani's presidency also faced immense challenges. The unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the nuclear deal by President Donald Trump in 2018, followed by the re-imposition of crippling sanctions, severely undermined Rouhani's efforts and led to a significant economic downturn. This turn of events fueled disillusionment among the Iranian populace and strengthened the hand of hardliners who had always been skeptical of engagement with the West. Despite his reformist leanings, Rouhani's power was ultimately constrained by the Supreme Leader's ultimate authority and the shifting geopolitical landscape, setting the stage for a more conservative successor.

Ebrahim Raisi: A Presidency Cut Short and Its Legacy

Ebrahim Raisi, an ultraconservative cleric, succeeded Hassan Rouhani in 2021, marking a distinct shift in Iran's political direction. His presidency, though brief, left a significant mark on the nation's domestic and foreign policy. Raisi's rise to power was seen by many as a consolidation of hardline influence within the Islamic Republic, signaling a less conciliatory approach to international relations and a more stringent stance on internal affairs.

Rise to Power and Controversial Past

Ebrahim Raisi's path to the Iran Presidency was paved with a long career in the judiciary, where he held various high-ranking positions. This background, however, also brought significant controversy. He was widely linked to the mass executions of political prisoners in the 1980s, a dark chapter in Iran's post-revolution history. Human rights organizations and international bodies had frequently called for investigations into his role in these events. His ultraconservative ideology was evident in his domestic policies, which included a severe crackdown on women's protests, particularly those sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, and a general tightening of social freedoms. These actions drew widespread international condemnation and intensified domestic dissent.

Despite, or perhaps because of, his hardline credentials, Raisi was widely seen as a likely successor to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His presidency was viewed as a strategic positioning for this ultimate role, solidifying the conservative establishment's grip on power and ensuring a continuity of their ideological line. His death, therefore, not only ended a presidency but also created an unexpected void in the succession plans for the Supreme Leader, leaving the Islamic Republic's hardline establishment facing an uncertain future.

The Tragic Helicopter Crash of May 2024

On May 19, 2024, the course of the Iran Presidency took a dramatic and unforeseen turn. A helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi crashed in the East Azerbaijan province of Iran, a remote and mountainous region. The crash site was difficult to access due to adverse weather conditions, including heavy fog. Tragically, there were no survivors at the crash site. Along with President Raisi, the country's foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and seven others were also killed in the incident. The sudden death of the president sent shockwaves through Iran and across the globe, triggering a period of national mourning and an immediate scramble to manage the political vacuum. The government confirmed the death of President Ebrahim Raisi at age 63, plunging the nation into an unexpected leadership transition.

Masoud Pezeshkian: The Ninth President and a New Chapter

In the wake of President Raisi's death, Iran quickly moved to hold snap elections. The outcome saw the election of Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist politician and heart surgeon, who has now been sworn in as Iran’s ninth president. His ascension to the Iran Presidency represents a significant shift, at least in rhetoric, from the ultraconservative stance of his predecessor, offering a potential new direction for the country.

Biography and Political Profile

Masoud Pezeshkian, born on September 29, 1954, brings a unique blend of medical expertise and political experience to the highest elected office in Iran. A respected heart surgeon, he has also had a long and distinguished career in Iranian politics. A member of the reformist faction, Pezeshkian has served in various capacities, including as Minister of Health and Medical Education, and as a representative in the Iranian Parliament (Majlis). His political career has been characterized by a more moderate stance compared to the hardliners, advocating for greater social freedoms and a more pragmatic approach to foreign policy.

At 69 years old when he took office in July 2024, Masoud Pezeshkian is the oldest person to serve in this position, a testament to his enduring presence in Iranian political circles. His reformist background suggests a potential shift towards policies aimed at alleviating economic hardship and perhaps fostering greater openness, though the inherent limitations of the presidency in Iran mean any significant changes will still require the Supreme Leader's approval.

Masoud Pezeshkian: Personal Data

Full Name	Masoud Pezeshkian
Born	29 September 1954
Age (at taking office)	69 years old
Political Faction	Reformist
Profession	Heart Surgeon, Politician
Current Role	Ninth and Current President of Iran (since 2024)
Predecessor	Ebrahim Raisi

Promises and Challenges: Economic Sanctions and Beyond

Upon being sworn in, President Masoud Pezeshkian pledged to keep trying to remove economic sanctions imposed by the West over Tehran’s controversial nuclear program. This commitment highlights the most pressing challenge facing the Iran Presidency: the crippling impact of international sanctions on the nation's economy. Years of sanctions have led to high inflation, unemployment, and a significant decline in living standards for many Iranians. Pezeshkian's reformist background suggests he may seek to re-engage with international powers to find a diplomatic solution to the nuclear impasse and secure sanctions relief.

However, the path ahead is fraught with difficulties. The Supreme Leader's ultimate authority on nuclear policy and foreign relations means Pezeshkian will have to navigate a delicate balance between his reformist aspirations and the established hardline positions. Furthermore, the geopolitical landscape remains complex, with ongoing regional tensions and the volatile relationship with the United States. While Pezeshkian manages economic and domestic policy, his success will largely depend on his ability to garner support from various factions within the Iranian establishment and to find common ground with international actors, all while respecting the boundaries of the Supreme Leader's overarching vision.

The Presidency Since the 1979 Revolution: A Historical Overview

To truly grasp the dynamics of the Iran Presidency, it is essential to look back at how each president has fared since the Iranian Revolution in 1979. The office itself was established in 1980, and since then, it has been occupied by figures representing a spectrum of political ideologies, from revolutionary hardliners to pragmatic reformists. The history of the presidency is a microcosm of Iran's internal political struggles and its evolving relationship with the world.

Early presidents, like Abolhassan Banisadr (the first president, later impeached) and Mohammad-Ali Rajai (assassinated), operated in the immediate aftermath of the revolution, a period of intense internal consolidation and external conflict (the Iran-Iraq War). Later, figures like Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Mohammad Khatami brought different approaches, with Khatami's reformist era in the late 1990s and early 2000s marking a period of relative openness and dialogue. However, the limits of reform were consistently tested, often leading to clashes with the more conservative elements of the establishment.

The presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2005-2013) marked a return to a more confrontational stance, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear program and its relations with the West. His tenure was characterized by fiery rhetoric and a significant increase in international sanctions. Interestingly, during his time, former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Wednesday amid the conflict between Israel and Iran, as reported by news.az citing Iranian media sources. This incident underscores the high stakes and inherent dangers associated with the Iranian political landscape, even for former leaders. Each president, regardless of their personal ideology, has had to navigate the intricate web of power, balancing the demands of their electorate with the directives of the Supreme Leader, making the office a constant tightrope walk.

The Iranian Presidency and International Relations: A Complex Dance

The president of Iran represents the face of Iranian foreign policy to the world, albeit within the confines set by the Supreme Leader. This makes the Iran Presidency a crucial player in the intricate dance of international relations, particularly concerning the Middle East and global powers. The president is the primary negotiator in international forums, the host of foreign dignitaries, and the voice that articulates Iran's positions on global issues. However, the ultimate strategic decisions, especially on sensitive matters like the nuclear program or regional military interventions, rest with the Supreme Leader.

The relationship with the United States, in particular, has been a defining feature of the Iranian presidency's foreign policy challenges. For instance, as President Donald Trump decided whether the U.S. military should take direct military action against Iran, lawmakers argued Congress should have a voice in the decision, highlighting the significant implications of this relationship. Furthermore, President Donald Trump has repeated his push for a nuclear deal with Iran in recent days, seven years after he walked away from a multilateral deal that allowed the U.S. to engage with Iran. This back-and-forth illustrates the volatile nature of US-Iran relations and how it directly impacts the president's ability to pursue diplomatic solutions or economic stability. More recently, as President Donald Trump stated the U.S. would not get directly involved in the war between Israel and Iran following Israeli airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions further complicated the regional dynamics. The Iranian president, regardless of their personal leanings, must navigate these complex geopolitical currents, often balancing national interests with ideological imperatives and the Supreme Leader's directives.

The Future of the Iranian Presidency: Stability Amidst Change

The sudden death of Ebrahim Raisi and the swift election of Masoud Pezeshkian have undoubtedly introduced a new layer of uncertainty and potential for change within the Islamic Republic. The future of the Iran Presidency, and indeed the country itself, hinges on how Pezeshkian navigates the inherent limitations of his office, the pressing domestic challenges, and the complex international landscape. His reformist background offers a glimmer of hope for those seeking greater engagement with the world and an alleviation of economic hardships, but the entrenched power of the hardline establishment and the Supreme Leader's ultimate authority remain formidable obstacles.

If history is a guide, the Iranian presidency will continue to be a position of immense responsibility but constrained power. Each president, from the first to the ninth, has had to grapple with this fundamental dichotomy. Pezeshkian's ability to deliver on his promises, particularly regarding the removal of economic sanctions, will largely depend on the Supreme Leader's willingness to grant him more leeway and the international community's readiness for renewed engagement. The coming years will reveal whether this new chapter in the Iranian presidency brings about significant shifts or if it largely maintains the status quo, reflecting the enduring balance of power within the Islamic Republic.

Conclusion

The Iran Presidency is a fascinating and critical office, embodying the dual nature of the Islamic Republic's governance: an elected head of government operating under the ultimate authority of a religious leader. From the long tenure of Hassan Rouhani, marked by efforts at international engagement, to the brief but impactful presidency of Ebrahim Raisi, characterized by a hardline stance and a tragic end, the office has consistently reflected the nation's internal ideological struggles and its external relations. The recent swearing-in of Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist heart surgeon, ushers in a new era, promising renewed efforts to tackle economic sanctions and potentially foster greater openness.

Yet, the fundamental truth remains: the president's power is limited by design, with the Supreme Leader retaining final say on all critical matters. Pezeshkian's success will depend on his ability to navigate this intricate power structure, manage pressing domestic issues, and steer Iran's foreign policy within the established confines. As Iran continues to play a pivotal role in regional and global affairs, understanding the nuances of its presidency is more crucial than ever. We invite you to share your thoughts on the future of the Iranian presidency in the comments below or explore our other articles on Middle Eastern politics for further insights.

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