Hassan Rouhani
Hassan Rouhani is an Iranian politician and cleric who served as the 7th president of Iran from 2013 to 2021. Born on November 12, 1948, in Sorkheh, Iran, he played a significant role in the country’s political landscape for several decades. Rouhani is known for his moderate stance in comparison to more conservative figures within Iranian politics, especially during his presidency.
Rouhani began his political career in the 1970s, becoming involved with Iran’s Islamic revolution and serving in various roles, including as a representative to the Iranian parliament and as an advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Prior to his presidency, he was Iran's chief nuclear negotiator from 2003 to 2005, where he was involved in the early stages of Iran's nuclear negotiations with the West.
During his presidency, Rouhani emphasized the need for reform, increased engagement with the international community, and economic improvement. One of his most significant achievements was the negotiation of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, with world powers (the United States, Russia, China, France, the UK, and Germany). The agreement lifted many international sanctions on Iran in exchange for limits on the country's nuclear program. However, after the United States withdrew from the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump, relations between Iran and the West soured, and economic sanctions were reinstated, contributing to economic challenges in Iran during Rouhani's second term.
Rouhani's presidency also faced challenges related to domestic political opposition, economic struggles, and public dissatisfaction over issues such as unemployment, inflation, and the perceived slow pace of reform. Despite this, he remained a key figure in Iranian politics, often seen as a moderate voice within the political establishment.
Rouhani’s tenure ended in 2021, when he was succeeded by Ebrahim Raisi, a more conservative figure. Despite his moderate image, Rouhani remained loyal to Iran's theocratic system, and his presidency continued to navigate the complexities of Iran's relationship with both the West and regional powers.
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