SAEDNEWS: A long-buried photograph showing President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi smiling into the lens of an old Nokia handset—taken by Mohammad Ali Abtahi, former chief of staff to President Khatami—has resurfaced on social media, offering a fleeting glimpse of the future head of state in an unexpected light.
According to Saed News, Mohammad Ali Abtahi, who served as chief of staff under President Mohammad Khatami, posted a previously unseen image on his Instagram account depicting a youthful Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi beaming into the camera of an early-generation Nokia phone. The black-and-white snapshot, likely taken more than two decades ago, stands in stark contrast to Raisi’s usually austere public persona.
Raisi—now Iran’s president—has often been portrayed in formal, solemn settings. Yet in this rare candid moment, his relaxed smile and the grainy quality of the photo humanize a figure typically associated with rigorous courtroom demeanor and tight-lipped political statements. Abtahi’s decision to share the image has prompted thousands of comments, with many users expressing surprise and delight at seeing a different side of Raisi.
Political analysts note that, in an era dominated by carefully orchestrated media appearances, such archival finds can wield soft power by reframing public perception. The juxtaposition of old-fashioned technology and the informal context underscores how rapidly both Iranian politics and personal imagery have evolved. For supporters of Raisi, the photo reinforces his relatable, everyman roots; for critics, it serves as a reminder that even the most imposing leaders were once ordinary individuals.
As Iran continues to navigate domestic challenges and international scrutiny, moments of spontaneity—however brief—can resonate deeply with a population attuned to authenticity. Whether this image will leave a lasting imprint on Raisi’s legacy remains to be seen, but for now it offers a rare humanizing portrait of one of the Islamic Republic’s most consequential figures.
