Mahmoud Ahmadinejad facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
محمود احمدی‌نژاد
Ahmadinejad in 2009
Member of the Expediency Discernment Council
Incumbent
Assumed office 3 August 2013
Appointed by	Ali Khamenei
Chairman	Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani Ali Movahedi-Kermani (acting) Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi Sadeq Larijani
Preceded by	Hassan Rouhani
6th President of Iran
In office 3 August 2005 – 3 August 2013
Supreme Leader	Ali Khamenei
Vice President	Mohammad Reza Aref Parviz Davoodi Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei Mohammad Reza Rahimi
Preceded by	Mohammad Khatami
Succeeded by	Hassan Rouhani
Acting ministerial offices Acting Minister of Petroleum In office 16 May 2011 – 2 June 2011 President Himself Preceded by Masoud Mir-Kazemi Succeeded by Mohammad Aliabadi (acting) Acting Minister of Intelligence In office 25 July 2009 – 3 September 2009 President Himself Preceded by Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i Succeeded by Heydar Moslehi
Mayor of Tehran
In office 20 May 2003 – 28 June 2005
Preceded by	Mohammad-Hossein Moghimi (acting)
Succeeded by	Ali Saeedlou (acting)
1st Governor General of Ardabil
In office 28 November 1993 – 29 October 1997
President	Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani
Preceded by	Province created
Succeeded by	Seyyed Hamid Tahayi
Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement
In office 30 August 2012 – 3 August 2013
Preceded by	Mohamed Morsi
Succeeded by	Hassan Rouhani
Personal details
Born	Mahmoud Sabbaghian (1956-10-28) 28 October 1956 (age 69) Aradan, Imperial State of Iran
Political party	Society of Devotees (1999–2011) Islamic Society of Engineers (1988–present; inactive since 2005) Dolate Bahar
Spouse	Azam al-Sadat Farahi ​ (m. 1980)​
Children	3
Relatives	Davoud Ahmadinejad (brother) Parvin Ahmadinejad (sister)
Education	Iran University of Science and Technology (BS, PhD)
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	Islamic Republic of Iran Army
Branch/service	Revolutionary Guards
Rank	None
Unit	Hamzeh Headquarters
Commands	Combat engineering Unit, 6th Special Division
Battles/wars	Iran–Iraq War Operation Fath 1
Scientific career
Institutions	Iran University of Science and Technology
Theses	Study of comprehensive transportation plan in Kurdistan (1988) Assessment of subway for passengers transportation (A case study of Tehran) (1997)
Doctoral advisor	Hamid Behbahani
Other academic advisors	Ali Mansour Khaki Gholamreza Shirazian Jalil Shahi

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (né Sabbaghian; born 28 October 1956) is an Iranian politician. He served as the sixth President of Iran from 2005 to 2013. He followed certain political ideas and was a strong supporter of Iran's nuclear program. He was also a main leader of the Alliance of Builders of Islamic Iran, a group of conservative politicians. Before becoming president, he was the mayor of Tehran from 2003 to 2005.

Ahmadinejad was trained as an engineer and also worked as a teacher. He came from a family that was not wealthy. After the Iranian Revolution, he joined an organization for students. He became a provincial governor in 1993. After a change in government in 1997, he returned to teaching. In 2003, Tehran's city council chose him as mayor. He focused on religious values in city policies. He became president on 3 August 2005, after winning the election with 62% of the votes in the second round.

During his time as president, Ahmadinejad often expressed strong views about Western countries. His re-election in 2009 led to significant public discussion and different opinions both inside Iran and from other countries. He completed his second term in 2013.

Early Life and Education

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was born on 28 October 1956. His birthplace was the village of Aradan, near Garmsar, in Semnan province, which was then part of Pahlavi Iran. His mother, Khanom, was a Sayyida, a special title for those believed to be direct descendants of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. His father, Ahmad, was a grocer and barber. He was a religious Shia Muslim and taught the Quran.

When Mahmoud was one year old, his family moved to Tehran. In 1960, his father changed their family name from "Saborjhian" or "Sabbaghian" to Ahmadinejad. This was done to avoid discrimination as the family settled in the city. The name Sabor means thread-painter in Persian. Ahmadinejad combines Ahmadi (from his father's name, Ahmad) and Nejad, which means lineage or race in Persian. So, Ahmadi Nejad means "the lineage of Ahmad."

In 1976, Ahmadinejad took Iran's national university entrance exam. He was ranked 132nd out of 400,000 participants that year. He then enrolled at the Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) in Tehran. He studied civil engineering there. Later, in 1997, he earned his doctorate in transportation engineering and planning from the same university. This was when he was the mayor of Ardabil Province.

Administrative and Academic Careers

Some parts of Ahmadinejad's life in the 1980s are not widely known. However, he held several administrative jobs in the province of West Azerbaijan, Iran.

When Saddam Hussein ordered the Iraqi invasion of Iran, Ahmadinejad was involved as a volunteer during the Iran–Iraq War.

He began a Master of Science program at his university in 1986. In 1989, he became a lecturer there. He received his doctorate in civil engineering and traffic transportation planning in 1997.

Early Political Career

After the Islamic Revolution, Ahmadinejad joined the Office for Strengthening Unity. This organization worked to guide students.

Ahmadinejad first held political office as an appointed governor. He served in Maku and Khoy in West Azarbaijan Province during the 1980s. He later became an advisor to the governor general of Kurdistan Province for two years. While studying for his doctorate, he was appointed governor general of the new Ardabil Province. He held this position from 1993 until 1997. After that, he returned to teaching.

Mayor of Tehran (2003–2005)

In 2003, conservative candidates from the Alliance of Builders of Islamic Iran were elected to the City Council of Tehran. The Council then appointed Ahmadinejad as Mayor.

As mayor, he made changes to city policies, focusing on religious values and public services. He also worked to improve the traffic system. He emphasized charity, such as giving free soup to people in need.

After he was elected president, Ahmadinejad resigned as Mayor of Tehran on 28 June 2005. He was recognized as one of 65 finalists for World Mayor in 2005.

Presidency (2005–2013)

Becoming President

2005 Election Campaign

Ahmadinejad was not widely known when he started his presidential campaign. He had only been mayor of Tehran for two years and was appointed, not elected. His main political support came from the Alliance of Builders of Islamic Iran. He also had support from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Ahmadinejad's campaign focused on helping ordinary people. He highlighted his own simple life. His campaign slogan was: "It's possible and we can do it." He aimed to create a government that would be a good example for the world. He also promised to use Iran's oil money to help poor families.

He spoke about improving foreign relations through trade. He also called for stronger ties with Iran's neighbors. He suggested ending visa requirements between countries in the region. He believed people should be free to travel for pilgrimages and tours.

Ahmadinejad saw Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi, a senior cleric, as his spiritual guide. Mesbah and his team strongly supported Ahmadinejad's 2005 presidential campaign.

2005 Presidential Election

Ahmadinejad won 62% of the votes in the second round against Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei officially approved his presidency on 3 August 2005. Ahmadinejad showed his respect by kissing Khamenei's hand during the ceremony.

2009 Presidential Election

On 23 August 2008, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei suggested he saw Ahmadinejad as president for the next five years. This was seen as support for Ahmadinejad's re-election. In the election on 12 June 2009, Ahmadinejad won 24,527,516 votes, which was 62.63%. The results of the 2009 election were discussed by many, with some people having different views on the outcome. This led to public discussions and reactions both inside Iran and from other countries.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei formally endorsed Ahmadinejad as president on 3 August 2009. Ahmadinejad was sworn in for a second term on 5 August 2009. Iran's Constitution limits presidents to two terms. After taking his oath, Ahmadinejad promised to "protect the official faith, the system of the Islamic revolution and the constitution." Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi became the first woman approved by the Majlis as a minister in the Islamic Republic of Iran during this period.

Domestic Policy

Economic Policy

In Ahmadinejad's first four years as president, Iran's economy grew. Inflation and unemployment also decreased. Ahmadinejad increased government spending by 25% and supported subsidies for food and petrol. He also cut the interest rates that banks could charge. In May 2011, Ahmadinejad announced that he would temporarily manage the Oil Ministry.

Family Planning and Population Policy

In November 2010, Ahmadinejad encouraged Iranians to marry and have children earlier. He suggested boys marry around 20 and girls around 16 or 17. A similar policy in 1979 had increased Iran's population by 16 million in seven years.

Housing Initiatives

One of the first laws from his government created a fund called "Reza's Compassion Fund." This fund aimed to use Iran's oil money to help young people find jobs, afford marriage, and buy homes. The fund also sought donations and had a board of trustees in each of Iran's 30 provinces. This law was a response to the high cost of housing in cities. High housing costs were pushing up the average age for marriage in the country.

Universities

In 2006, Ahmadinejad's government made some changes in universities. The policy aimed to replace older professors with younger ones.

Nuclear Program

Ahmadinejad was a strong supporter of Iran's nuclear program. He always said that its purpose was peaceful. He stated that building a nuclear bomb was not his government's policy. He believed such a policy was "illegal and against our religion." He also said that a nation with "culture, logic and civilization" would not need nuclear weapons.

In April 2006, Ahmadinejad announced that Iran had successfully refined uranium. This was a step suitable for the nuclear fuel cycle. He said that Iran's situation had changed because it had become a nuclear state.

The Iranian president's office does not directly control nuclear policy. Instead, the Supreme National Security Council sets this policy. This council includes representatives appointed by the Supreme Leader, military officials, and members from different government branches. It reports directly to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Khamenei issued a fatwa (religious decree) against nuclear weapons in 2005.

In October 2009, the United States, France, and Russia proposed a deal with Iran about its nuclear program. Ahmadinejad said, "We welcome fuel exchange, nuclear co-operation, building of power plants and reactors and we are ready to co-operate." He also stated that Iran would not give up its right to a sovereign nuclear program.

Foreign Relations

During Ahmadinejad's time as President, Iran's foreign policy changed. Relations with developed countries generally became more difficult. However, relations with less-developed countries, especially in Africa and Latin America, grew stronger. He often expressed strong views about Western countries.

Palestine

Ahmadinejad supported the idea of free elections for Palestinians. He believed Palestinians should have a stronger voice in their future.

Venezuela

Ahmadinejad developed a close friendship with Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez.

Post-Presidency (2013–Present)

Ahmadinejad left his presidential office on 3 August 2013. He returned to his private home in Narmak.

He mentioned that he might stay involved in politics by creating a new party or organization. In July 2013, he received permission to start a university for post-graduate studies in Tehran. On 5 August 2013, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appointed Ahmadinejad as a member of the Expediency Council.

2017 Presidential Election

There were rumors that Ahmadinejad would run for president again in 2017. He traveled to different provinces and gave speeches. In September 2016, Supreme Leader Khamenei advised him not to run, saying it was not in Iran's best interests. Ahmadinejad then announced he would not run. However, he later registered as a presidential candidate on 12 April 2017. His nomination was rejected by the Guardian Council on 20 April 2017.

2017–18 Iranian Protests

During the 2017–18 Iranian protests, Ahmadinejad criticized the government of Iran and later Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

2024 Presidential Election

On 2 June, Ahmadinejad showed interest in running in the election and applied to be a candidate. However, he was disqualified from running on 9 June.

Party Affiliation

Ahmadinejad was an active member of the right-wing Islamic Society of Engineers until 2005. He was still a member in 2014 but had not been active since 2005. He was also a founding member of the Society of Devotees of the Islamic Revolution, which he left in 2011.

Since 2005, Ahmadinejad described himself as not belonging to any specific party. He was supported by the conservative camp. A report in 2009 stated that Ahmadinejad called himself a "principlist."

Awards and Honors

•  Iran:
  • Order of Islamic Revolution (2005) (automatic upon taking presidential office)
•  Benin:
  • Grand Cross of the National Order of Benin (2013)
•  Cuba:
  • Honorary doctorate in political science from University of Havana (2012)
•  Lebanon:
  • Honorary doctorate in political science from Lebanese University (2010)
•  Nicaragua:
  • Order of Augusto César Sandino [es], Batalla de San Jacinto, 1st Class (2007)
  • Order of Rubén Darío (2007)
•  Venezuela:
  • Collar of the Order of the Liberator (2006)

Electoral History

Ahmadinejad casting his vote in 2016 elections

Year	Election	Votes	%	Rank	Notes
1999	City Council of Tehran				Lost
2000	Parliament	280,046	9.55	68th	Lost
2005	President	5,711,696	19.43	2nd	Went to run-off
	President run off	17,284,782	61.69	1st	Won
2009	President	24,527,516	62.63	1st	Won
2017	President	N/A			Disqualified
2021	President	N/A			Disqualified
2024	President	N/A			Disqualified

Personal Life

Ahmadinejad is married and has one daughter and two sons. His elder son married a daughter of Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei in 2008.

Many of Ahmadinejad's supporters see him as a simple man who lives a modest life. When he became president, he wanted to keep living in his family's old house in Tehran. However, his security advisors insisted he move. He had the expensive Persian carpets in the Presidential palace sent to a museum. Instead, he chose to use less expensive carpets. He was also said to have preferred not to use the VIP seat on the presidential plane. He reportedly replaced it with a cargo plane instead. After becoming president, Ahmadinejad held his first cabinet meeting in the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. This was seen as a very religious act. He also used to set an extra place for the 12th Imam at his weekly cabinet meetings.

Published Works

During his presidency, Ahmadinejad produced a few political and ideological works. These were mainly collections of his speeches, letters, and statements.

Images for kids

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  Ahmadinejad speaking at Columbia University, September 2007

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  Ahmadinejad with leaders of the Caspian Sea bordering nations

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  Ahmadinejad meeting with Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Tehran

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  Ahmadinejad meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Beijing

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  Demonstration against Ahmadinejad during the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Brazil

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  Ahmadinejad in his presidential museum

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  Ahmadinejad in 2021

See also

In Spanish: Mahmud Ahmadineyad para niños