History of Hassan Rouhani

Hassan Rouhani, an influential Iranian politician, has played a significant role in the country's political landscape, particularly during the early 21st century. Born Hassan Fereydoun on November 12, 1948, in Sorkheh, Semnan Province, Rouhani has had a long and eventful career within Iran's complex political system, characterized by an interface of religious and secular governance. His life and career are illustrative of the broader historical and political currents in modern Iran.

Rouhani's political journey began in the fervor of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which transformed Iran from a monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to an Islamic Republic. Rouhani, coming from a religious family, was deeply involved in the revolutionary activities against the Shah. During this time, he adopted the surname Rouhani, which means "cleric" in Persian, reflecting his religious educational background and commitment to the revolution’s ideals.

In the post-revolution era, Rouhani quickly became an integral part of the new Islamic Republic's political fabric. He represented the people in Iran's Majlis, or Parliament, serving five consecutive terms from 1980 to 2000. His political acumen was recognized early, and he was appointed as the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council in 1989, a position he held under Presidents Rafsanjani and Khatami. During his tenure, Rouhani played a crucial role in foreign policy and national security matters, including the controversial issue of Iran's nuclear program.

Rouhani's influence extended into the realms of diplomacy and international policy-making when he served as Iran's chief nuclear negotiator from 2003 to 2005 under President Mohammad Khatami. This period was marked by intense negotiations with the European Union and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to address international concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Known for his pragmatic approach, Rouhani advocated for greater transparency with international bodies, eventually leading to the temporary suspension of Iran's uranium enrichment program in exchange for the promise of technological and economic incentives from the West.

However, the political climate in Iran shifted in 2005 with the election of the hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as president. Rouhani resigned from his role as the chief nuclear negotiator and returned to his academic pursuits, authoring several books on politics, religion, and diplomacy. During Ahmadinejad’s presidency, Rouhani remained a critical voice, emphasizing the need for moderation and the improvement of relations with the international community.

This stance paved the way for Rouhani’s presidential campaign in 2013. Running as a centrist and reformist, he successfully won the presidency promising a “government of prudence and hope.” His campaign focused on economic reforms, civil rights, and improving Iran's relations with the rest of the world, particularly through resolving the nuclear issue.

Rouhani’s presidency is perhaps best known for his role in brokering the landmark Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015, commonly referred to as the Iran Nuclear Deal. Under this agreement, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities and allow international inspections in exchange for relief from economic sanctions that had severely impacted its economy. This achievement was hailed as a significant diplomatic breakthrough, demonstrating Rouhani’s commitment to engaging constructively with the international community.

Domestically, Rouhani faced numerous challenges. His administration worked to implement economic reforms, expand civil liberties, and improve political freedoms. Nevertheless, his efforts often faced resistance from conservative factions within the Iranian government, as well as the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds significant influence over all state matters. Despite these internal hurdles, Rouhani managed to secure his re-election in 2017, emphasizing the continuity of his moderate policies and reforms.

Rouhani’s second term, however, was significantly affected by external factors, particularly the United States' withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Donald Trump. The reinstatement of stringent U.S. sanctions severely affected Iran's economy, leading to increased political pressure on Rouhani’s administration. The economic hardships, compounded by international isolation, resulted in domestic unrest, with widespread protests erupting in 2019 due to fuel price hikes and other socio-economic issues.

Despite these challenges, Rouhani continued his efforts to maintain dialogue and negotiate with international powers, although with limited success due to the geopolitical complexities and domestic limitations. His presidency ended in 2021, and he was succeeded by Ebrahim Raisi, a conservative figure aligned with Iran's hardliner faction.

Throughout his political career, Hassan Rouhani has been a figure of pragmatism, navigating Iran’s intricate political system characterized by an ongoing tug-of-war between reformist and conservative forces. His legacy is marked by significant achievements in diplomacy and efforts towards moderation, despite facing substantial opposition both domestically and internationally. Rouhani’s tenure highlights the complexities and challenges of leading a nation with a unique ideological governance structure, still finding its place within the global order.