Presidents of Iran, List of Presidents of Iran(1979-2025)

Presidents of Iran reflect the country’s evolving politics, balancing limited power with public influence. See the list of Presidents of Iran, terms, key highlights.

List of Presidents of Iran

The President of Iran holds limited power compared to the Supreme Leader, and plays an important role in shaping the country’s domestic and international image. Especially after the elimination of the Prime Minister’s post in 1989, the Presidents of Iran became responsible for overseeing much of the day-to-day governance. While foreign policy and ultimate decision-making rest with the Supreme Leader, the president’s approach often affects Iran’s global relations and internal reforms. The history of Iran’s presidency reflects the country’s ideological shifts, popular sentiment, and power dynamics since the Islamic Revolution 1979.

Presidents of Iran

The Presidents of Iran functions within the framework of the Islamic Republic, where ultimate authority lies with the Supreme Leader. Since the Islamic Revolution 1979, the president has served as the head of government responsible for the executive branch and day-to-day governance, especially after the abolition of the prime minister’s role in 1989. Although constrained in foreign affairs and military decisions, the president represents Iran on the global stage and can influence internal reforms, economic strategy, and diplomatic engagement.

List of Presidents of Iran

Over the years, the Presidents of Iran have shifted among reformist, centrist, and orientations, representing the ongoing power dynamics and ideological conflicts within the political framework of the country. Below we have shared, the List of Presidents of Iran from 1980 till 2025:

List of Presidents of Iran

President

Term

Key Highlights

Abolhasan Bani-Sadr

1980–1981

First president of the Islamic Republic. A secularist who clashed with clerics. Opposed hostage crisis policy and was impeached after losing support. Fled to France in exile to avoid charges of treason. His short presidency was defined by early revolutionary chaos and internal power struggles.

Mohammad Ali Rajaʾi

Aug 1981

Served less than a month before being assassinated. Previously PM under Bani-Sadr. Killed in a bombing by the Mojāhedīn-e Khalq group. His death, alongside his prime minister, shocked the young republic and intensified crackdowns on dissidents.

Ali Khamenei

1981–1989

Guided Iran through the Iran-Iraq War. Strengthened the IRGC and upheld revolutionary values. Later became Supreme Leader in 1989. His presidency helped consolidate clerical rule and aligned security forces with state ideology.

Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

1989–1997

First president under the restructured system after PM role ended. Focused on postwar reconstruction, privatization, and moderate liberalization. Advocated for stronger ties with the West but faced opposition from hardliners. His era marked an economic turning point.

Mohammad Khatami

1997–2005

Reformist cleric who encouraged civil liberties and a more open society. Coined the “Dialogue Among Civilizations” and sought warmer ties with the West. Faced institutional resistance and growing conservative backlash. Sparked a reformist wave but failed to fully realize it.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

2005–2013

Conservative populist known for Holocaust denial and expanding Iran’s nuclear program. Backed IRGC expansion and launched morality police. His disputed 2009 re-election led to mass protests and state-led crackdowns. Ended presidency in conflict with the Supreme Leader.

Hassan Rouhani

2013–2021

Moderate leader who spearheaded the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA). Sought economic revival through diplomacy. However, U.S. withdrawal from JCPOA in 2018 hurt his legacy. Domestic reforms fell short, and public frustration grew due to ongoing repression and economic stagnation.

Ebrahim Raisi

2021–2024

Ultra-conservative judges aligned with Khamenei. Cracked down on dissent and boosted security spending. Faced mass protests after Mahsa Amini’s death, which destabilized the regime. Died in a helicopter crash in 2024 during official duties.

Masoud Pezeshkian

2024–Present

Reform-oriented centrist who won after Raisi’s death. Promised renewed nuclear negotiations and domestic moderation. His surprise candidacy and victory raised hopes for change, though real reform remains uncertain under the Supreme Leader’s oversight.

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Presidents of Iran FAQs

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