Hassan Rouhani

Profession: President of Iran

Nationality:

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, academic, former diplomat, and Islamic cleric.

A member of Iran's Assembly of Experts since 1999, Rouhani held membership in the Expediency Council and the Supreme National Security Council for decades. He was the deputy speaker of the Iranian Parliament and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, where he negotiated on nuclear technology with the EU three: UK, France, and Germany.

Born in Sorkheh, Rouhani began religious studies in 1960 and entered the University of Tehran in 1969, earning a BA in Judicial Law. He undertook military service in Nishapur in 1973. Rouhani furthered his education at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland, where he received an MPhil and a PhD in Law.

During his political career, Rouhani opposed the Shah of Iran and was under surveillance by SAVAK, leading to his exile where he joined Ayatollah Khomeini in France.

After the Iranian Revolution, he stabilized the army and held various roles including deputy commander of the war during the Iran–Iraq conflict. Rouhani continued his academic work while holding executive posts, contributing to scholarly publications on Islamic law and political thought.

During the 2013 presidential election, he proposed a civil rights charter and improvements to the economy and international relations. Upon his election, Time magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.

Rouhani's presidency included efforts to enhance personal freedom and women's rights, including appointing female foreign ministry spokespeople. His re-election in 2017 saw an increased electoral mandate, but his relationship with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei deteriorated during his second term over the Iran nuclear agreement, leading to him not being appointed to senior roles post-presidency.

Hassan Rouhani married Sahebeh Erabi, with whom he has four children. His brother, Hossein Fereydoun, is a notable political figure as well. Rouhani's name change from Hassan Fereydoun to 'Rouhani,' which means 'spiritual,' indicates his clerical status.

Rouhani's presidency was marked by challenges including human rights issues, economic sanctions, and international relations. He maintained the position that Iran's policies towards countries like Syria and Iraq were 'brotherly,' aimed at fostering regional stability.

Rouhani holds a conservative view on Israel and has been known to favor dialogue over confrontation in foreign affairs. His popularity varied during his presidency, but he remained an influential figure in Iran's moderate political sphere and in shaping the country's approach to both domestic and international challenges.

Born: November 12, 1948
Birthplace: Sorkheh, Iran
Age: 75 years old

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Scorpio