History of Hassan Rouhani

Hassan Rouhani, born Hassan Fereydoun on November 12, 1948, in Sorkheh, Iran, is a prominent Iranian politician and cleric who served as the seventh President of Iran from 2013 to 2021. Rouhani's political career is deeply entwined with the history of the Islamic Republic, reflecting both the opportunities and limitations of navigating Iran's complex political landscape.

Rouhani's early life was marked by political engagement and religious education. Coming from a family of merchants, he was exposed to the religious teachings of Shiism early on, which laid the foundation for his future clerical status. He attended the seminaries in Qom, where he became an active supporter of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the Iranian Revolution. His engagement in politics during this era included speeches across the country advocating against the Pahlavi monarchy, demonstrating his early commitment to the revolutionary cause.

Rouhani's formal education also included a focus on law and governance. He pursued legal studies abroad, obtaining a Master’s degree followed by a Ph.D. from Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland. His academic work centered on Islamic law and the function of legislative systems, which later influenced his political philosophy.

After the success of the Iranian Revolution in 1979, Rouhani became a significant figure in the nascent Islamic Republic. He was elected to the Iranian Parliament, the Majles, where he served five consecutive terms until 2000. His time in the Majles was characterized by an involvement in national security and foreign policy issues, roles for which his clerical stature and legal expertise were particularly well-suited.

In the 1980s, during the Iran-Iraq War, Rouhani served as the Deputy Commander of War, coordinating military and strategic planning at some of Iran's most critical historical junctures. His military involvement was part of a larger trajectory that saw him deeply involved in national security concerns, laying groundwork for his reputation as a staunch advocate of diplomacy and strategy over direct confrontation.

One of Rouhani's most prominent roles before his presidency was as Iran's chief nuclear negotiator from 2003 to 2005 under President Mohammad Khatami. In this capacity, he led diplomatic efforts to avoid UN Security Council sanctions amid Western warnings regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions. Rouhani's pragmatism was evident as he advocated for temporary suspensions of enrichment activities in exchange for broader negotiations, a position that highlighted his preference for engagement and diplomacy over isolation or conflict.

Rouhani's electoral victory in 2013 marked a critical juncture in Iran's political history. Running as a moderate, he promised to improve the economy and repair relations with the West, especially concerning the nuclear program. His campaign leveraged the populace's desire for reform and economic improvement, contrasting sharply with his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose tenure had been marked by heightened tensions with the international community and internal economic struggles.

Rouhani's presidency is perhaps best known for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, officially the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), negotiated with the P5+1 countries (the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany). The deal was widely regarded as a significant achievement for diplomacy, aiming to curb Iran's nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief. It reflected Rouhani's commitment to global engagement and economic recovery, as alleviating sanctions was seen as a vital step toward revitalizing Iran's economy.

However, Rouhani's tenure also underscored the inherent complexities and challenges of Iranian politics. Domestically, despite making strides in diplomacy, his administration struggled with economic issues, particularly after the United States, under President Donald Trump, unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. This move not only undermined Rouhani's diplomatic achievements but also severely impacted the Iranian economy, leading to increased domestic criticism.

Moreover, Rouhani faced significant opposition from hardliners within Iran's political establishment. His attempts at reform and opening up faced pushback, limiting his ability to enact broader social and political changes. Issues such as human rights, freedom of expression, and political reform saw limited progress, highlighting the constraints on presidential power in Iran where ultimate authority rests with the Supreme Leader.

Despite these challenges, Rouhani's presidency represents a pivotal period of attempted reform and engagement for Iran. His efforts at diplomacy, notably the nuclear deal, and his advocacy for moderate policies reflect a vision of Iran seeking a more balanced role on the world stage. However, the structural and political limitations he faced serve as a testament to the enduring complexities of Iranian politics.

Rouhani's legacy is one of ambition tempered by realism, navigating the intersection of reformist ideals and pragmatic governance in a country marked by both rich history and intricate political dynamics. His career encapsulates the tension between progress and tradition, offering insights into the intricate dance of politics within the Islamic Republic of Iran.