The late Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was known as the spearhead of the “moderate” camp in Iran. He also served as the only bridge between the ruling establishment and the Reformists, who faced restrictions following the unrest related to the 2009 presidential elections. When Rafsanjani passed away in January, his death was a major shock for his supporters, who turned out in huge numbers for his funeral alongside politicians who shared his approach to politics.
Considered a “pillar” of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the US-backed shah, Rafsanjani held several prominent positions over the past decades. In addition to serving as parliament speaker and president, Rafsanjani also played a crucial role in the last years of his life — establishing and leading the moderate camp, and thereby, helping Reformists survive.