He played an influential role both during anti-Shah struggles before the victory of the Islamic Revolution and afterwards through various stages of the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Rafsanjani was also a key figure during the eight years of Iraq’s imposed war on Iran (1980-88), serving as substitute to commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Rafsanjani was as a true follower of late Imam Khomeini, who spared nothing on the path of the Islamic Revolution and was among confidantes of Imam Khomeini who shouldered heavy responsibilities following the Islamic Revolution.
Born on August 25, 1934, the influential Iranian politician and writer was the fourth president of the Islamic Republic, serving from 1989 to 1997.
Rafsanjani was the head of the Assembly of Experts from 2007 to 2011. The influential cleric was elected chairman of the Iranian parliament in 1980 and served until 1989. He assumed office as the Chairman of the Expediency Council in 1989.
Here is a glimpse at major events in the life of the late Chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani who passed away at the age of 82 due to heart condition in Tehran on on January 8 last year.
- Born in Iran’s southeastern city of Rafsanjan, Kerman Province, on August 25, 1934
- Married to Effat Mar'ashi in 1958
- Imprisoned from 1960 to 1979 for political activity against the Pahlavi regime
This photo taken on March 8, 2011 shows former Iranian president and head of Iran's Assembly of Experts, Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, delivering a speech during a meeting of the top clerical body in Tehran.
- Helped establish the Combatant Clergy Association in 1977
- Became a key member of the Council of the Islamic Revolution in 1977
In this December 21, 2015 photo, Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani waves to journalists as he registers his candidacy for the elections of the Experts Assembly, in Tehran, Iran.
- Elected as the first post-Revolution Parliament Speaker in 1980
- Served as Imam Khomeini’s Representative to the Supreme Council of National Defense (in Iraqi war) from 1980 to 89
This file photo shows former chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (R) and Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
- Appointed as Acting Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in 1988
- Served as President for two terms from 1989 to 1997
Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (L) talks to the founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini.
- Ran in the 6th parliamentary elections in 2000, came in last on Tehran’s list, withdrew before being sworn in
- Lost in the 2005 presidential runoff election
A file photo of Ayatollah Rafsanjani (R) and President Hassan Rouhani.
- Served as Head of the Assembly of Experts from 2007 to 2011
- Ended his long-held position as Tehran Friday prayers leader in 2009
- Disqualified from running in 2013 presidential election
This photo taken on July 17, 2009 shows Iran's former president Ayatollah Rafsanjani delivering the Friday prayers sermon at Tehran University in the Iranian capital.
- Won in 2016 Assembly of Experts elections, ranking first on Tehran list
- Passed away after suffering a heart attack in Tehran on January 8, 2017