Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Bold Return: Registering for Iran’s 14th Presidential Election

A Polarizing Figure with a Controversial Past

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, born Mahmoud Sabbaghian on October 28, 1956, is a university professor and nationalist politician. He served as Iran’s sixth president from 2005 to 2013 and is currently a member of the Expediency Discernment Council. Known for his hardline views and the nuclearization of Iran, he led the Alliance of Builders of Islamic Iran, a coalition of conservative political groups, and served as Tehran’s mayor from 2003 to 2005.

His presidency was marked by significant controversy, both domestically and internationally. In Iran, he faced criticism for his economic policies and human rights issues. Globally, he was known for his antagonistic stance toward countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the US. His re-election in 2009 sparked widespread protests and international criticism.

Past Electoral Challenges and Future Aspirations

Ahmadinejad’s political journey has seen numerous challenges. His dismissal of intelligence minister Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i and support for controversial adviser Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei led to a power struggle with both reformers and traditionalists, as well as with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He was the first president of the Islamic Republic to be summoned by parliament to answer questions regarding his presidency.

Despite being limited to two terms under the current Iranian constitution, Ahmadinejad supported Mashaei’s campaign for president, which was ultimately unsuccessful. His attempts to run for a third term in 2017 and 2021 were rejected by the Guardian Council.