Iran vocab Part 1

Ahmadinejad, Mahmoud

Conservative president of Iran (2005-2013) known for his populist policies, hardline stance on Israel and the U.S., and disputed 2009 re-election that sparked mass protests.

Ayatollah

A high-ranking Shiite cleric in Iran's religious hierarchy; often hold significant influence in the political system(sign of God)

Cultural Revolution

A campaign launched by Ayatollah Khomeini in the early 1980s to purify Iranian society of Western and secular values, especially within universities.

Farsi

The Persian language spoken in Iran.

Imams

In Shia Islam, religious leaders believed to be spiritual and political successors to the Prophet Muhammad; the Twelver Shi'a believe in a line of 12 Imams.

Jurist's Guardianship (Velayat-e Faqih)

The principle that senior Islamic clerics should have authority over both religious and political life; central to Iran's theocratic system.

Khamenei, Ayatollah Ali

Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, the highest-ranking political and religious authority with control over the military, judiciary, and media.

Khatami, Muhammad

Reformist president of Iran (1997-2005) who promoted civil society, freedom of expression, and dialogue with the West.

Khomeini, Ayatollah Ruhollah

Leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and founder of the Islamic Republic; served as Supreme Leader until his death in 1989.

Mosaddeq, Muhammad

Prime Minister of Iran (1951-1953) who nationalized the oil industry; overthrown in a CIA-backed coup, marking a turning point in U.S.-Iran relations.

Muhammad Reza Shah

The last Shah of Iran, overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution; known for authoritarian rule and efforts to Westernize and modernize Iran.

Pezeshkian, Masoud

A reformist Iranian politician and current figure in politics; supports moderate policies and dialogue with the West.

Qur'an

The holy book of Islam, considered the word of God; plays a central role in Iran's legal and political system.

Revolution of 1979

A popular uprising that led to the fall of the monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini.

Reza Shah

Founder of the Pahlavi dynasty and father of Muhammad Reza Shah; modernized and centralized Iran but ruled with authoritarian methods.

Rouhani, Hassan

Moderate president of Iran (2013-2021) known for negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal with Western powers and attempting reforms.

Shah

The title for Iran's monarch before 1979; associated with autocratic rule and Western-aligned policies.

Shari'ah Law

Islamic legal system based on the Qur'an and Islamic tradition; influences Iran's legal and political framework.

Shia Muslims

The majority sect in Iran; believe leadership should remain within the Prophet Muhammad's family, particularly through Ali and his descendants.

Sunni Muslims

The largest branch of Islam globally but a minority in Iran; differ from Shi'as in beliefs about leadership succession.

Theocracy

A form of government in which religious leaders and laws based on religious doctrine guide the state; Iran is a modern example under the concept of velayat-e faqih.