Ebrahim Raisi: who he is and why he matters

Ebrahim Raisi rose from Iran’s judiciary to become president in 2021. He is best known as a conservative cleric, a strong supporter of the Islamic Republic’s hardline institutions, and a figure who reshaped Iran’s domestic and foreign priorities during his time in office. If you follow Iran’s relations with Africa, the Middle East, or global diplomacy, Raisi’s policies mattered — from trade deals to how Iran responded to sanctions and regional tensions.

Quick background you can use

Raisi built his career in Iran’s legal system and held several senior judicial posts before the presidency. Human rights groups have repeatedly criticized his record, pointing to his role in major judicial events. He ran as the conservative candidate in 2021 and won a race marked by low voter turnout and a narrow field of contenders. Once in office, he prioritized resisting Western pressure, protecting Iran’s nuclear and security interests, and expanding economic partnerships where sanctions allowed.

So what did that mean on the ground? Raisi pushed for closer ties with non-Western partners, including states in Africa. That showed up as more diplomatic visits, trade talks, and interest in Iranian technology and construction projects in several African capitals. For African governments looking for alternatives to Western lenders and suppliers, Iran presented itself as an option — especially for energy, basic infrastructure, and military cooperation in some cases.

What to watch for as a reader

Watch three things when you read coverage about Raisi: economy, diplomacy, and rights. Economically, Iran under Raisi struggled with inflation and sanctions that limited access to international markets. Diplomatically, Tehran worked to deepen ties with countries outside Europe and North America — Africa included — seeking trade, investment, and political support. On rights and politics, Raisi’s background in the judiciary meant more emphasis on security and stability, which drew sharp criticism from activists and foreign rights groups.

If you want updates, look for stories on how Iran’s trade deals or diplomatic moves affect African countries. Are there new energy agreements, construction contracts, or training programs? How do sanctions shape those deals? And how do local populations and opposition groups react when their governments partner with Tehran? Those details tell you whether a headline about Raisi is a major shift or just routine diplomacy.

We tag articles about Raisi whenever we cover Iran’s foreign policy, sanctions, or major regional events that affect Africa. Use this tag to follow developments quickly — from new agreements to crises that could change regional balances. Got a specific angle you care about — trade, military ties, or human rights? Narrow your search on the site to get the most relevant stories.

Want the latest updates? Keep an eye on this tag. We collect reporting and analysis that help explain how moves in Tehran ripple across Africa and the wider world.