Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, born on October twenty-eighth, nineteen fifty-six, is an Iranian politician and university teacher who served as the sixth president of Iran from two thousand five to two thousand thirteen. His political ideology is rooted in principlism and nationalism, and he was a prominent member of the Expediency Discernment Council. Ahmadinejad was a staunch supporter of Iran's nuclear program and led the Alliance of Builders of Islamic Iran, a coalition of conservative political factions.
Ahmadinejad's early life was marked by humble beginnings, and he was influenced by notable thinkers such as Navvab Safavi and Jalal Al-e-Ahmad. After the Iranian Revolution, he joined the Office for Strengthening Unity and was appointed as a provincial governor in nineteen ninety-three. However, he was replaced in nineteen ninety-seven following the election of President Mohammad Khatami. He returned to academia until his election as mayor of Tehran in two thousand three, where he took a hardline stance, reversing many reforms implemented by his predecessors.
His presidential campaign in two thousand five, backed by the Alliance of Builders of Islamic Iran, resulted in a decisive victory, securing sixty-two percent of the runoff election votes. Ahmadinejad's presidency was marked by controversy, both domestically and internationally. He faced criticism for his economic policies and human rights record, while his hostile rhetoric towards countries like Israel and the United States drew global condemnation.
During his second term, which began in two thousand nine amidst disputed elections, Ahmadinejad encountered significant political challenges, including a power struggle with reformists and traditionalists, as well as tensions with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His presidency was further marred by his controversial statements regarding the Holocaust and his calls for the elimination of Israel. In two thousand thirteen, he was succeeded by Hassan Rouhani.
In two thousand seventeen, Ahmadinejad announced his intention to run for a third term, despite opposition from Supreme Leader Khamenei. His nomination was ultimately rejected by the Guardian Council. He has since criticized the Iranian government during the protests of two thousand seventeen and eighteen and attempted to register for subsequent presidential elections, but his nominations were denied.