Ebrahim Raisi

Ebrahim Raisi was a prominent Iranian politician who has risen through the ranks of the country's leadership, making headlines as Iran's President since August 2021.

Raisi's life and career have been characterised by a combination of judicial and political roles and his close association with the Islamic Republic's religious and political establishment. His estimated net worth is $53 million.

Early Life and Education

Ebrahim Raisi was born on December 14, 1960, in the city of Mashhad, located in the northeastern part of Iran.

He hailed from a religious and conservative family with a strong commitment to the Shia Islam faith. His father, Seyed Haji Kazem Raisi, was a prominent figure in the religious community and instilled in Ebrahim a deep sense of devotion to Islam.

Raisi completed his seminary education in Qom, a major centre of Shia Islamic learning in Iran. He received his degree in Islamic law and jurisprudence and became a Hojjatoleslam, a junior cleric within the Shia tradition.

Judicial Career

Raisi began his career in the Iranian judiciary during the early years of the Islamic Republic. He served in various positions, including as a prosecutor and judge.

His tenure in the judiciary extended to the late 1980s and early 1990s, when he gained recognition for his role in addressing various legal matters and prosecuting political dissidents.

In 2016, Raisi was appointed as the head of the Astan Quds Razavi, one of the wealthiest charitable foundations in Iran and a major pilgrimage destination for Shia Muslims. His management of the foundation contributed to his rising political profile.

Presidential Campaign and Election

Ebrahim Raisi's entry into presidential politics took centre stage in 2021 when he announced his candidacy for the Iranian presidency. He ran as a conservative candidate and enjoyed the support of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

His campaign focused on addressing economic issues, combating corruption, and boosting domestic production. Raisi's conservative stance and alignment with the country's religious elite struck a chord with many conservative voters.

On June 18, 2021, Raisi won a landslide victory in the Iranian presidential election, securing over 60% of the vote. This victory marked a turning point in his career and elevated him to the highest office in the country.

Presidential Term

Since taking office as the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi focused on a range of domestic and international issues. His presidency was marked by a more conservative approach, particularly in foreign policy.

During his tenure as the President, he expressed interest in strengthening relations with neighbouring countries in the Middle East and adopted a more cautious stance in international negotiations, including those related to Iran's nuclear program.

Personal Life

Ebrahim Raisi was known for his reserved and private personality. He married Jamileh Alamolhoda, a prominent Iranian academic and cleric's daughter. The couple had two daughters, and Raisi's family life remained relatively shielded from public scrutiny.

Tragic Loss

Ebrahim Raisi tragically passed away on May 19, 2024, in a helicopter crash near Varzaghan, Iran. The crash, attributed to adverse weather conditions, occurred while Raisi was en route from the Iran-Azerbaijan border after inaugurating a joint dam project.

Conclusion

Ebrahim Raisi's political career has been marked by his commitment to Iran's conservative and religious principles.

His rise to the presidency in 2021 reflects the support he enjoys from the religious establishment, and his leadership is characterised by a more conservative approach to governance and international relations.

As he continues his presidency, the world will be closely watching his policies and decisions in the context of Iran's complex and ever-evolving political landscape.