Hassan Rouhani’s 1th Norouz Meeting: Navigating Challenges and Pursuing Diplomacy

Born on November 12, 1948, as Hassan Fereydoun, this man is an Islamist politician, sharia lawyer, academician, former diplomat, and Islamic cleric, all wrapped into one person. He has been involved in the Iranian Assembly of Experts for many years and has also served at the Expediency Council as well as the Supreme National Security Council.

His regime was marked by efforts to revive Iran’s economy, normalize diplomatic relations between Iran and western countries, and advocate for the civil rights of Iranians. However, with negative thoughts surrounding him, he succeeded again in being voted back into office during the re-elections held in 2017; this therefore proves that Rouhani still holds sway over the policy-making process today.

Nevertheless, Ali Khamenei’s relationship with Rohani became bitter during their second term, especially concerning talks over the Iran nuclear deal with the West, leading to rifts between them, thus culminating in his omission from the shortlist presented by the Guardian Council regarding the Assemblies of Experts election, which took place in March 2024.