Ebrahim Raisi: A Profile of Iran's Supreme Leader

Early Life and Career

Ebrahim Raisi, born in 1960 in the holy city of Mashhad, Iran, is a conservative cleric and politician who has been Iran's Supreme Leader since 2021. Raised in a devoutly religious family, Raisi became involved in the Iranian Islamic Revolution at a young age, rising through the ranks of the Shiite clerical hierarchy.

Rise to Power

Raisi's political career gained momentum in 2014, when he was appointed as the custodian of the wealthy and influential Astan Quds Razavi foundation, which oversees the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. This position provided him with a significant financial and political base.

Presidency and Supreme Leadership

In 2017, Raisi was elected President of Iran, succeeding Hassan Rouhani. As president, he pursued conservative social and economic policies, including a crackdown on dissent and restrictions on women's rights. In 2021, following the death of previous Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Raisi was appointed to the position.

Relationship with Ayatollah Khamenei

Raisi is considered a close confidant and protégé of Ayatollah Khamenei, the former Supreme Leader. This relationship has been instrumental in Raisi's rise to power and is seen as ensuring the continuity of Khamenei's conservative agenda.

Challenges Facing Raisi

As Supreme Leader, Raisi faces significant challenges, including economic sanctions, internal dissent, and tensions with the United States and other Western powers. His conservative policies and suppression of opposition have drawn criticism from human rights groups and foreign governments.