Ebrahim Raisi was a prominent Iranian cleric, jurist, and politician who served as the eighth President of the Islamic Republic of Iran from 2021 until his untimely death in a helicopter crash in 2024. Known for his conservative views and strong commitment to the principles of the Islamic Revolution, Raisi rose through the ranks of Iran’s judiciary before entering the executive branch.

Early Life and Education

Born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province, Ebrahim Raisi grew up in a religious family. He lost his father at the age of five and was raised in modest circumstances near the holy shrine of Imam Reza.

At the age of fifteen, he began his religious studies in Qom, attending prominent seminaries including the Ayatollah Boroujerdi School. He studied under notable scholars such as Ayatollah Morteza Motahhari and later developed a close relationship with the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Judicial Career and Rise to Prominence

Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Raisi joined the Iranian judiciary. He served as a prosecutor in several cities, including Karaj and Hamadan. In 1988, he was reportedly a member of the “death commission” in Tehran that oversaw the execution of thousands of political prisoners — a chapter that remains controversial internationally.

He held several high-level judicial positions including Tehran Prosecutor, Head of the General Inspection Office, First Deputy Head of the Judiciary, and Prosecutor General of Iran. In 2019, he was appointed Chief Justice of Iran by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Presidency (2021–2024)

In the June 2021 presidential election, Ebrahim Raisi secured a decisive victory with nearly 62% of the votes. He was inaugurated as President on August 5, 2021. His administration focused on strengthening the “resistance economy,” fighting corruption, and deepening ties with countries like Russia and China.

Key foreign policy achievements included the restoration of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in 2023 (brokered by China) and Iran’s accession to BRICS. Domestically, his government dealt with nationwide protests following the death of Mahsa Amini and implemented stricter enforcement of Islamic dress codes.

Personal Life and Family

In 1983, Raisi married Jamileh Alamolhoda, a university professor and daughter of prominent cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda. The couple had two daughters. Raisi was known for maintaining a simple and pious lifestyle throughout his public service.

Death in Helicopter Crash

On May 19, 2024, President Ebrahim Raisi died when the helicopter carrying him and his delegation crashed in foggy mountainous terrain in East Azerbaijan Province. The crash also claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several senior officials. He was 63 years old.

A period of national mourning was declared, and grand funeral processions were held across multiple cities, culminating in his burial at the Imam Reza Shrine in his hometown of Mashhad.

Legacy

Ebrahim Raisi is remembered in Iran as a dedicated servant of the Islamic Republic who worked tirelessly for justice and the advancement of revolutionary ideals. His sudden death created a significant leadership transition in the country.

Timeline of Key Events

Frequently Asked Questions