What is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Net Worth?
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, an Iranian nationalist politician, has a net worth of $5 million. He served as the president of Iran from 2005 to 2013. Ahmadinejad is known for nuclearizing Iran, inciting hostilities with various countries, and committing human rights abuses. He attempted to run for a third presidential term in 2017 and 2021, but both candidacies were rejected by the Guardian Council.
Early Life and Education
Born as Mahmoud Sabbaghian on October 28, 1956, in Aradan, Semnan province, Imperial State of Iran, Ahmadinejad's parents were Khanom, a homemaker, and Ahmad, a grocer and barber. The family moved to Tehran when he was a year old, and their name was later changed to Ahmadinejad. In 1976, he enrolled at the Iran University of Science and Technology, studying civil engineering and later earning a PhD in 1997.
Career Beginnings
During the 1980s, Ahmadinejad held various administrative roles in West Azerbaijan province. He joined the Office for Strengthening Unity to prevent students from aligning with militant groups. From 1986 to 1988, he served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, followed by a role as a lecturer and eventually governor of the newly established Ardabil Province until 1997. He then returned to teaching.
Mayor of Tehran
In 2003, Ahmadinejad was elected mayor of Tehran. His tenure was marked by reversing reforms implemented by moderate mayors, promoting conservative religious activities, and segregating sexes in municipal offices.

Majid/Getty Images
President of Iran
Supported by the conservative Alliance of Builders, Ahmadinejad won the 2005 presidential election with 62% of the vote against Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. His presidency was controversial due to economic mismanagement, human rights abuses, and hostile international relations. Notably, he promoted Iran's nuclear program, made antisemitic and homophobic comments, and detained political dissidents.
In 2009, his disputed re-election sparked protests. His second term saw continued corruption, human rights violations, and a significant conflict with parliament, especially after dismissing intelligence minister Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i. In 2012, he became the first Iranian president summoned by parliament. Ahmadinejad was succeeded by Hassan Rouhani in 2013.
Later Attempts at the Presidency
Ahmadinejad made unsuccessful bids for the presidency in 2017 and 2021, with his nominations rejected by the Guardian Council both times.
Personal Life
Ahmadinejad married Azam al-Sadat Farahi, a teacher, in 1980. They have one daughter and two sons.