Historical Figure
Hassan Rouhani
b. 1948
President of Iran from 2013 to 2021
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Biography
Hassan Rouhani is an Iranian politician who served as the seventh president of Iran from 2013 to 2021. He is also a sharia lawyer ("Wakil"), academic, former diplomat and Islamic cleric. He served as a member of Iran's Assembly of Experts from 1999 to 2024. He was a member of the Expediency Council from 1991 to 2013, and also was a member of the Supreme National Security Council from 1989 to 2021. Rouhani was deputy speaker of the fourth and fifth terms of the Parliament of Iran (Majlis) and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council from 1989 to 2005. In the latter capacity, he was the country's top negotiator with the EU three, UK, France, and Germany, on nuclear technology in Iran, and has also served as a Shia mujtahid, and economic trade negotiator.
Timeline
The story of Hassan Rouhani, told in moments.
Served on the Supreme Defense Council during the Iran-Iraq War. He was a mid-level cleric handling military logistics at 32, learning the mechanics of power in wartime.
Led nuclear negotiations with European powers. Temporarily suspended Iran's uranium enrichment program. Hardliners called him a sellout. He called it pragmatism.
Elected president on a platform of economic reform and diplomatic engagement. He ran as the moderate alternative. The Guardian Council approved his candidacy, which meant the Supreme Leader allowed it.
The JCPOA nuclear deal signed after two years of negotiations. Iran agreed to limit enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Rouhani called it a new chapter. The deal collapsed three years later when the US withdrew.
In Their Own Words (20)
The Syrian crisis must be resolved by a vote by Syrians. We are concerned by the civil war and foreign interference. The government [of President Bashar al-Assad] must be respected by other countries until the next [2014 presidential] elections and then it is up to the people to decide.
"Iran leader warns on Syria intervention", The Australian, (June 17, 2013), 2014
There is a human tragedy going on in Syria and all must do their utmost to put an end to this travesty. But facts cannot be overlooked. Syria has remained the only country in the region to resist Israeli expansionist policies and practices.
"In conversation with Hassan Rouhani", Ashraq Al-Awsat, (June 15, 2013), 2013
All should know that the next government will not budge from defending our inalienable rights... We have passed that period. We are now in a different situation.
"Iran President-Elect Wants to Ease Strains With U.S., but Sees No Direct Talks" The New York Times, (June 17, 2013), 2013
Saying 'Death to America' is easy. We need to express 'Death to America' with action. Saying it is easy.
Remark made on May 8, 2013, as quoted in About That New 'Moderate' Iranian Cabinet . . ., The Wall Street Journal, (August 7, 2013), 2013
Syria has constantly been on the front line of fighting Zionism and this resistance must not be weakened.
"Behind Iran's 'Moderate' New Leader", The Wall Street Journal, (June 16, 2013), 2013
Artifacts (4)
I will shut up, but the problems of Iran will not be solved
r homeland. Ebadi, in her Dec. 2013 speech at Human Rights Day seminar at Leiden University angrily said: "I will shut up, but the problems of Iran will not be solved". In April 2015, speaking on...
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