Who’s who in Iran

Ayatollah Khomeini – Cleric who rose to power in the 1979 revolution. Supreme leader until his death in 1989.
Ali Khamenei – A key figure in the revolution and Iran’s president from 1981-9. He became supreme leader following Khomeini’s death.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – Won the 2005 elections, and was declared winner of the 2009 elections. He rose through the ranks of the Revolutionary Guards during the war with Iraq.
Mohammad Khatami – Considered the figurehead of the reform movement. Won the 1997 presidential elections and was re-elected in 2001. Although popular, he is widely seen as failing to push through reforms.
Mir Hussein Mousavi – Prime minister 1981-9, now associated with the reform movement. His failure to win the recent presidential election sparked the protests.
Hashemi Rafsanjani – Closely associated with the elite business class. Was president from 1989-97. He lost the 2005 elections. Although a conservative, he is backing the reformists in a power struggle.