Is Iran's President A Force For Good Or A Figure Of Concern?

The question of whether an Iranian president is a "good" or "bad" leader is far from simple, steeped in the complexities of a unique political system, international relations, and the diverse experiences of its nearly 90 million people. It's a judgment that varies wildly depending on one's perspective – whether from within Iran, from the corridors of Western power, or from the viewpoint of regional neighbors. The recent passing of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on March 1, 2024, has cast a fresh spotlight on the nature of Iran's leadership, the challenges it faces, and the global perceptions that shape its image.

This article delves into the multifaceted role of the Iranian presidency, examining the legacy of figures like Ebrahim Raisi, the internal dynamics of the nation, its intricate dance on the global stage, and the constitutional framework that dictates its leadership. By exploring various facets, from human rights concerns to economic sanctions and regional influence, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of what makes an Iranian president a subject of both admiration and apprehension.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Iranian Presidency: A Complex Role
  • The Constitutional Framework and Succession
• Ebrahim Raisi: A Hardliner's Legacy and Controversies
  • Biography: Ebrahim Raisi's Path to Power
• Iran's Domestic Landscape: Challenges and Perceptions
• Iran on the Global Stage: Alliances, Sanctions, and Diplomacy
• The Dynamic Between President and Supreme Leader
• The Future of Iran's Leadership: Beyond Raisi
  • The Prospect of New Elections and Leadership Styles
• Assessing the "Good" and "Bad": A Multifaceted View
  • Weighing Internal Stability Against International Scrutiny

Understanding the Iranian Presidency: A Complex Role

The role of the Iranian president is unique, operating within a system where ultimate authority rests with the Supreme Leader. While the president serves as the head of government and is responsible for implementing policies, managing the economy, and representing Iran internationally, their power is significantly constrained by the Supreme Leader, who holds sway over all major state affairs, including foreign policy, military, and the judiciary. This dual structure often leads to a delicate balance, where the president must navigate both the will of the people who elected them and the directives of the unelected Supreme Leader. The presidency in Iran is not merely a ceremonial post; it is a highly visible and influential position that shapes the daily lives of Iranians and the country's interactions with the world. However, the degree to which an Iranian president can enact their own vision is always subject to the broader ideological framework of the Islamic Republic and the Supreme Leader's ultimate say. This inherent complexity means that judging an Iranian president requires understanding the intricate web of power dynamics rather than simply applying Western democratic standards.

The Constitutional Framework and Succession

Iran's constitution outlines a clear line of succession in the event of the president's incapacitation or death. Following the tragic helicopter crash involving President Ebrahim Raisi, the constitutional provisions immediately came into effect. According to the Iranian constitution, his vice president, Mohammad Mokhber, would assume the duties of the presidency. For now, Mohammad Mokhber, Iran’s first vice president, is serving as Raisi’s acting replacement until new elections can be held. This swift transition highlights the institutional resilience built into the system, designed to prevent power vacuums. A council consisting of Mokhber, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and the Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei is tasked with organizing new presidential elections within a maximum of 50 days. This mechanism ensures continuity and a relatively quick return to elected leadership, even if the interim period is brief. It's also worth noting that Iranian vice presidents are relatively low profile, often serving in administrative capacities, which makes Mokhber's sudden elevation to the acting presidency a significant, albeit temporary, shift in his public standing. The focus now is on what comes next for the Middle Eastern power, which is home to nearly 90 million people and backs a number of regional proxy groups, as the country prepares for a new electoral cycle.

Ebrahim Raisi: A Hardliner's Legacy and Controversies

Ebrahim Raisi's presidency, which began with his election in 2021, was marked by a consolidation of power within the conservative establishment. His tenure was characterized by a firm stance on internal morality questions and a continuation of Iran's hardline foreign policy. Raisi had become a contender to be Iran's next Supreme Leader, a position of immense power, largely due to his consistent alignment with the conservative principles of the Islamic Republic and his background in the judiciary. However, Raisi's time in office was also shadowed by significant international criticism, particularly concerning human rights. Despite concerns over Iran’s attacks on human rights, Raisi was permitted to address the U.N. General Assembly last year, where he used the platform to criticize Western states for meddling in Middle Eastern affairs. This dual reality – addressing a global body while facing severe scrutiny over domestic policies – encapsulates the complex perception of his leadership. His death caps a remarkably bad year for Iran, with the alliance Iran leads — the “axis of resistance” — having unraveled, as the region grappled with escalating tensions and conflicts.

Biography: Ebrahim Raisi's Path to Power

Ebrahim Raisi's journey to the presidency was deeply rooted in Iran's judicial system and the conservative political faction. Born in Mashhad, Iran, Raisi dedicated his early career to the judiciary, rising through the ranks as a prosecutor in various cities. His trajectory saw him hold significant positions, including Attorney General of Tehran, Prosecutor General of Iran, and First Deputy Chief Justice. This extensive background within the judicial branch positioned him as a figure deeply embedded in the state's legal and security apparatus. His political ascent culminated in the 2021 presidential election, where his victory consolidated power within the hardline establishment. Raisi's platform emphasized anti-corruption and social justice, but his past association with mass executions in the late 1980s drew widespread condemnation from human rights organizations internationally. Domestically, his presidency was marked by a clampdown on morality questions, reflecting a strict interpretation of Islamic law and social norms. His unwavering loyalty to the Supreme Leader and the principles of the Islamic Revolution made him a prominent contender for the ultimate leadership role, the Supreme Leader, before his untimely death.

Key Aspects of Ebrahim Raisi's Political Profile

Aspect	Description
Political Affiliation	Hardliner, Conservative
Career Background	Extensive judicial career (Prosecutor, Attorney General, Chief Justice)
Presidency (2021-2024)	Consolidation of conservative power, clampdown on morality, focus on anti-corruption
International Standing	Criticized for human rights record, addressed UN General Assembly, criticized Western interference
Succession Prospect	Considered a strong contender to be the next Supreme Leader

Iran's Domestic Landscape: Challenges and Perceptions

The internal situation in Iran presents a complex picture, often contrasting sharply with external perceptions. While Iran's image is overwhelmingly negative across much of the world, with unfavorable opinions especially pronounced in Europe—majorities ranging from 88% in France to 59% in Britain saying they have a negative opinion of Iran—the reality on the ground for its citizens is multifaceted. One striking aspect mentioned in the provided data is the sentiment that "Iran is a beautiful country filled with beautiful people." This personal observation offers a counter-narrative to the prevailing political and media portrayals, suggesting a vibrant society beneath the headlines of geopolitical tension. Indeed, the notion that "You're gonna be safer there than with me walking you about my own town in Scotland" challenges simplistic assumptions about safety and stability, highlighting that perceptions of danger can be relative and often influenced by media narratives rather than lived experience. However, the domestic landscape is not without its significant challenges. The data points to a sense of "suffering and misery we actually go out our way to choose suffering and misery x it don't make sense," reflecting a cynical view of the choices made by the populace or the system that governs them. This could allude to the economic hardships faced by many Iranians, exacerbated by international sanctions and internal mismanagement. Furthermore, the tragic helicopter crash that claimed President Raisi's life also brought to light concerns about the country's infrastructure. "Iran doesn’t seem like a country in which presidents die by accident," yet "it also is a country in which aircraft crash, due to the sorry state of infrastructure in the internationally isolated" nation. This points to the tangible impact of international isolation and sanctions on the daily lives and safety of its citizens, including its leaders. The domestic experience of an Iranian president, therefore, involves navigating these profound internal challenges, from economic pressures to infrastructure decay, while simultaneously managing a populace with diverse views on their leadership and national direction.

Iran on the Global Stage: Alliances, Sanctions, and Diplomacy

Iran's engagement with the world is a constant tightrope walk, characterized by shifting alliances, persistent sanctions, and complex diplomatic maneuvers. The country backs a number of regional proxy groups, a strategy that has solidified its influence in the Middle East but also drawn considerable international criticism and contributed to regional instability. The "axis of resistance" that Iran leads, however, has recently been described as having "unraveled," capping a remarkably bad year for the nation on the geopolitical front. This suggests a period of significant challenges to its regional strategy and influence. Sanctions have long been a primary tool used by Western powers, particularly the United States, to exert pressure on Iran. Under former President Donald Trump, rhetoric about Iran seemed to grow more belligerent by the hour, and his administration pursued a policy of "maximum pressure," which included reimposing and escalating sanctions. Trump's Iran remarks sometimes allowed him to still play 'good cop' to Netanyahu's 'bad cop', suggesting a complex, perhaps even calculated, dynamic where the president claimed Israeli attacks made a deal more, not less, likely due to the pressure Iran would now face. This perception of a "good cop/bad cop routine" extended to speculative discussions, with some wondering if it was "some sort of good cop/bad cop routine he and Bibi cooked up behind closed doors." The Biden administration, in its outreach to Iran, has taken a different approach, signaling a willingness for diplomacy. The Biden team has removed sanctions on some Iranian individuals and, according to Iran’s foreign minister, the U.S. has agreed to end sanctions on the Supreme Leader. This indicates a potential shift towards de-escalation, though the path to a comprehensive agreement, particularly on the nuclear deal, remains fraught with obstacles. Lawmakers are also coming together to try to muzzle Trump on war with Iran, highlighting the deep divisions within the U.S. political landscape regarding Iran policy. The constant interplay of sanctions, diplomatic overtures, and regional tensions defines the environment in which an Iranian president operates on the global stage, making their role immensely challenging and subject to intense international scrutiny.

The Dynamic Between President and Supreme Leader

In Iran's unique political structure, the relationship between the elected president and the unelected Supreme Leader is perhaps the most crucial dynamic, shaping both domestic and foreign policy. The Supreme Leader, currently Ali Khamenei, holds ultimate authority on all major state matters, including military, foreign policy, and the judiciary. This means that while an Iranian president is the head of government and the most visible face of the state, their policy initiatives and even their personal direction must ultimately align with the Supreme Leader's vision. This often leads to a complex, sometimes tense, collaboration. As the data suggests, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has not always seen eye to eye with his country’s presidents. This indicates that despite the Supreme Leader's ultimate authority, presidents can and do attempt to carve out their own policy spaces, leading to internal debates and, at times, public disagreements. However, the Supreme Leader's word is final, and any significant deviation from his directives is unlikely to succeed. For an Iranian president, navigating this relationship requires political acumen and a deep understanding of the ideological boundaries set by the Supreme Leader. The ability to implement policy, whether it's related to the economy, social issues, or international relations, often depends on gaining the Supreme Leader's tacit or explicit approval. This fundamental power dynamic is a key factor in evaluating the effectiveness and "goodness" or "badness" of an Iranian president, as their capacity to act is always filtered through the lens of the Supreme Leader's overarching authority. It's a system where loyalty and ideological alignment are often as important as electoral mandates.

The Future of Iran's Leadership: Beyond Raisi

With the sudden passing of President Ebrahim Raisi, all eyes are now on what comes next for Iran's leadership. The constitutional process for succession has been initiated, with Mohammad Mokhber serving as acting president and a council formed to organize new elections. This period of transition opens up possibilities for new directions, but also highlights the enduring characteristics of Iran's political system. The next Iranian president will inherit a nation grappling with significant domestic challenges, including economic pressures and social discontent, as well as a complex and often adversarial international environment. The selection of a new president will be crucial, not just for the country's internal stability but also for its global standing. The Supreme Leader's influence in vetting candidates means that the pool of potential leaders is often limited to those who adhere to the core principles of the Islamic Republic. However, within these parameters, there can still be significant differences in approach and ideology.

The Prospect of New Elections and Leadership Styles

The upcoming elections will be a critical juncture, determining the face of Iran's executive branch for the coming years. While the Supreme Leader retains ultimate authority, the president's role in daily governance and international representation is substantial. The data mentions a potential scenario where "Iran’s new president is a reformist and heart surgeon who uses English business jargon and wants to revive the nuclear deal with the West." While this might refer to a hypothetical or desired type of leader rather than a specific individual from the past, it underscores the ongoing internal debate about Iran's future direction. Such a description contrasts sharply with Ebrahim Raisi's hardline profile, suggesting a desire among some for a more pragmatic and internationally engaged leadership. A reformist president would likely prioritize economic revitalization through engagement with the West, potentially seeking to revive the nuclear deal as a pathway to alleviate sanctions and foster economic growth. However, the success of any reformist agenda would still depend heavily on the Supreme Leader's approval and the broader political climate. The analogy of "Jimmy Carter was a good man who was president at a bad time" can be applied here, suggesting that even a well-intentioned leader might struggle to enact significant change if the prevailing circumstances—internal opposition, international pressure, or the Supreme Leader's directives—are unfavorable. The upcoming elections will reveal whether Iran chooses to double down on its current trajectory or if there's an appetite for a different kind of leadership that seeks to bridge divides and foster greater international cooperation. The next Iranian president will undoubtedly face immense pressure to address both domestic grievances and external challenges.

Assessing the "Good" and "Bad": A Multifaceted View

To definitively label an Iranian president as "good" or "bad" is an oversimplification of a deeply complex reality. The assessment hinges entirely on the criteria used and the perspective from which the judgment is made. From an internal perspective, particularly among the conservative base, a president like Ebrahim Raisi might have been seen as "good" for consolidating power, upholding Islamic values, and resisting Western influence. His efforts to address corruption and maintain internal order, even through strict measures, would be viewed positively by his supporters. For them, the Iranian president represents national sovereignty and the defense of revolutionary ideals. However, from an international human rights perspective, the same actions that consolidate power internally, such as the clampdown on morality questions and alleged human rights abuses, are viewed as unequivocally "bad." Concerns over Iran’s attacks on human rights are a recurring theme in global discourse, leading to widespread condemnation and contributing to Iran's overwhelmingly negative image across much of the world, especially in Europe. The economic struggles faced by the Iranian populace, partly due to sanctions and partly due to internal policies, also contribute to a perception of "bad" governance from the perspective of those suffering.

Weighing Internal Stability Against International Scrutiny

The challenge for any Iranian president is to balance the imperative of maintaining internal stability and ideological purity with the need to navigate a hostile international environment. When Iran’s Islamic revolution struck in 1979, taking a relatively small amount of oil off the market for a time, prices soared, demonstrating Iran's potential impact on global markets and its strategic importance. This historical context underscores the significant leverage Iran holds, but also the scrutiny it attracts. The concept of "suffering and misery we actually go out our way to choose suffering and misery" suggests a critical internal view that perhaps the current path, championed by hardline leaders, is not serving the best interests of the people. Yet, the system continues. The question of whether an Iranian president is "good" or "bad" therefore becomes a question of whose "good" and whose "bad" is being considered. Is it good for the stability of the Islamic Republic, even if it means human rights compromises? Is it bad for the international community if Iran pursues its regional interests aggressively? The answer lies not in a binary judgment, but in understanding the intricate interplay of domestic politics, religious ideology, economic pressures, and geopolitical rivalries that define the Iranian presidency. The role of an Iranian president is inherently controversial, reflecting the deep divisions within the country and between Iran and much of the world.

The question of whether an Iranian president is "good" or "bad" is not one with a simple answer. As we've explored, the role is deeply embedded in a unique political and religious framework, constantly navigating complex domestic challenges and intense international scrutiny. From the consolidation of power under figures like Ebrahim Raisi, marked by human rights concerns and a hardline stance, to the ongoing struggles with sanctions and a negative global image, the challenges are immense. Yet, within Iran, there are also narratives of a beautiful country and resilient people, and the constitutional mechanisms for succession ensure continuity even in times of crisis.

• Ebony Solo
• Ron Clark
• Colton Moore
• Matt Cardona
• Russ Vought

Ultimately, judging an Iranian president requires looking beyond simplistic labels and understanding the multifaceted pressures and expectations placed upon them. It involves acknowledging the internal perspectives, the strategic imperatives, and the international criticisms. The future of the Iranian presidency, with new elections on the horizon, will continue to be a focal point of regional and global attention. What do you think defines a "good" or "bad" leader in such a complex geopolitical landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and consider exploring our other articles on international relations and political dynamics to deepen your understanding.