Ahmadinejad

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is an Iranian politician who served as the sixth president of Iran from 2005 to 2013. He previously held the post of mayor of Tehran from 2003 to 2005. A conservative figure aligned with the Principlists, he was considered one of the hardline voices within Iran’s political establishment and was closely associated with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during his presidency.

Ahmadinejad’s presidency was marked by a combination of populist rhetoric and state-led economic policies. He pursued social welfare initiatives and a reform of energy subsidies intended to reduce household consumption but accompanied by measures that increased government control over the economy. His tenure also featured a hard line on dissent and a confrontational foreign policy posture, including strong support for Iran’s nuclear program and a stance against Western pressure. Relations with Western governments, particularly the United States, deteriorated over sanctions and Iran’s nuclear activities, while regional diplomacy emphasized asserted independence and influence in the Middle East.

Foreign policy during Ahmadinejad’s era focused on asserting Iran’s nuclear rights and challenging perceived Western meddling. His administration maintained a confrontational stance toward Israel and called for regional influence, which drew international scrutiny and multiple rounds of sanctions. He frequently framed Iran’s position around national sovereignty and resistance to foreign demands.

The 2009 presidential election, which Ahmadinejad won amid controversy, led to large-scale protests and a movement demanding greater political reforms. The aftermath of the Green Movement included a crackdown on dissent and ongoing debates about governance and civil liberties.

Since leaving office, Ahmadinejad has remained a prominent, sometimes controversial, figure within Iranian conservative politics, continuing to influence public discourse on domestic and foreign policy.