Hassan Rouhani

Definition

Hassan Rouhani is an Iranian politician who served as the President of Iran from 2013 to 2021. Known for his moderate approach, he played a significant role in international negotiations, particularly in relation to Iran's nuclear program and the Arab Spring's impact on regional stability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rouhani was elected as president in 2013, succeeding Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and was re-elected in 2017.
2. His administration focused on reducing Iran's isolation by negotiating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal.
3. Rouhani promoted a more moderate foreign policy compared to his predecessor, seeking to improve relations with Western countries.
4. He faced significant domestic challenges, including economic issues exacerbated by sanctions and public discontent over social freedoms.
5. During his presidency, Rouhani had to balance his diplomatic efforts with the hardline factions within Iran that opposed his approach.

Review Questions

• How did Hassan Rouhani's presidency influence Iran's foreign relations, particularly regarding the nuclear deal?
  • Hassan Rouhani's presidency marked a significant shift in Iran's foreign relations, especially through his advocacy for the Iran Nuclear Deal. By engaging in negotiations with world powers, Rouhani aimed to alleviate economic sanctions and improve Iran's global standing. His administration's focus on diplomacy contrasted sharply with the previous hardline stance, making him a key figure in reshaping how Iran interacted on the international stage.
• Evaluate the challenges Hassan Rouhani faced during his presidency and how they impacted his policies.
  • During his presidency, Rouhani faced multiple challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and public dissatisfaction with social restrictions. These domestic issues complicated his efforts to implement reformist policies and secure economic growth. The hardline factions within the Iranian political landscape often resisted his initiatives, creating tension that hindered progress toward a more open society and economic recovery.
• Discuss the long-term implications of Hassan Rouhani’s diplomatic efforts on Iran's geopolitical position following his presidency.
  • The diplomatic efforts made by Hassan Rouhani, particularly through the Iran Nuclear Deal, had lasting implications for Iran's geopolitical position. While the deal aimed to integrate Iran into the global economy and reduce isolation, its subsequent unraveling following the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 exposed vulnerabilities in Rouhani's approach. The shift towards increased tensions with both regional rivals and Western powers has contributed to a more precarious geopolitical landscape for Iran, influencing its foreign policy direction post-Rouhani and shaping its relationships with neighboring countries.

Related terms

Iran Nuclear Deal:

A 2015 agreement between Iran and six world powers aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear capabilities in exchange for lifting economic sanctions.

Arab Spring:

A series of anti-government protests and uprisings that swept across the Arab world starting in late 2010, significantly affecting the political landscape of the region.

Supreme Leader: The highest-ranking political and religious authority in Iran, holding significant power over all branches of government, including military and media.