Behind the Scenes: Iranian Leaders and the Women Beside Them

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, born in 1934, was an influential Iranian cleric and politician. A close confidant of Khomeini, Rafsanjani played a critical role during the revolution and later in consolidating the Islamic Republic. As president from 1989 to 1997, he focused on economic liberalization, post-war reconstruction, and improving Iran's international relations. Despite his pragmatic approach, his tenure also saw continued political repression. Later in his career, Rafsanjani positioned himself as a moderate voice advocating for reform, although his influence waned in the face of growing hardline dominance.