Mehdi Karroubi, born in Aligudarz in 1937, emerged as a prominent figure in Iranian politics following his theological training at seminaries in Qom and Tehran and the University of Tehran. A Shia cleric and former Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, he spent decades navigating the volatile intersection of religious authority, legislative governance, and state-sanctioned reformist movements.
Early Career and Revolutionary Involvement
Karroubi was raised in a Shia clerical family and studied under Ruhollah Khomeini and Hossein-Ali Montazeri. During the 1970s, he faced repeated imprisonment by the government of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, including a period at the Qasr Prison in Tehran. Following the 1979 revolution, he directed the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee and led the Martyr's Foundation from 1980 to 1992.
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Serving in the Islamic Consultative Assembly from 1980 to 2004, Karroubi held the position of Speaker twice, first from 1989 to 1992 and again from 2000 to 2004. He also served as Vice-Speaker between 1986 and 1987 and again from 1988 to 1989. During his legislative career, he was a founding member of the Association of Combatant Clerics of Tehran and later established the National Trust Party.
Presidential Challenges and Detainment
Karroubi was a presidential candidate in both the 2005 and 2009 elections. Following the 2005 campaign, he resigned from his advisory roles to the Supreme Leader and the Expediency Discernment Council after alleging election irregularities. After his involvement in protests surrounding the 2009 election and his support for Arab Spring rallies, he was placed under house arrest in February 2011.
Fast facts
- Born: 1937, Aligudarz
- Education: University of Tehran
- Political Party: National Trust Party
- Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly: 1989–1992, 2000–2004
- Languages spoken: Persian, Arabic, Luri
- Wife: Fatemeh Karroubi
Questions readers ask
What official positions did Mehdi Karroubi hold?
He served as a member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly from 1980 to 2004 and was Speaker of the parliament for two separate periods.
Why was Mehdi Karroubi placed under house arrest?
He was detained in February 2011 following his criticism of the 2009 election results and his public support for rally participants linked to the Arab Spring.
