Ayatollah Hussein Ali Montazeri was among the few people in the government in support of Banisadr, but he was soon stripped of his powers.At the same time, the persian government outlawed all political parties, except the Islamic Republic Party. Banisadr’s courage, intellect, and dedication to justice continue to inspire and scholars worldwide. Even after his death in October 2021, Banisadr’s ideas remain alive in discussions about governance, human rights, and the future.
Banisadr’s presidency (1980–1981) was one of the most challenging periods in the early Islamic Republic. While he held the formal title of president, real power was often concentrated in the hands of the clerical establishment. Banisadr repeatedly came into conflict with senior clerics, including Ayatollah Khomeini, over the scope of presidential authority. He argued that an overly centralized religious authority risked undermining national unity and efficient governance. These disagreements escalated into political isolation and eventually led to his impeachment.
