Masoud Pezeshkian's Presidential Victory and Challenges Ahead
Iranian President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian has started his term by delivering a speech at the tomb of former Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini, a strategic move to garner support from current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Pezeshkian, a reformist, won against conservative rival Saeed Jalili in a run-off election. He promised to revive the nuclear agreement with the United States and address issues like Internet censorship and the hijab, despite potential resistance from Parliament.
Hamid Mousavi, a political studies professor at the University of Tehran, noted that Pezeshkian's speech reflects his understanding of the difficult work ahead, particularly given Iran's economic crises and U.S. sanctions. Pezeshkian's success in achieving his promises will heavily depend on securing the support of the Supreme Leader, the people, and Parliament.
International Relations and Domestic Reforms
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Pezeshkian, emphasizing the friendly and cooperative relationship between Russia and Iran. Putin expressed hope that Pezeshkian's presidency would further expand bilateral cooperation and strengthen regional security and stability. The election results showed Pezeshkian winning with 53.66% of the vote, while Jalili received 44.34%.
Pezeshkian, a former Health Minister and cardiac surgeon, has a history of public service and reformist tendencies. He is expected to soften social norms, especially regarding women's rights and Internet freedom. However, significant political changes are unlikely as Pezeshkian remains loyal to the Supreme Leader.
Experts believe that Pezeshkian's victory reflects a desire for change among Iranian society, particularly the youth, without altering the political system. The new president is likely to advocate for negotiations with Western countries to lift sanctions, a stance differing from his conservative predecessors who focused on non-Western alliances. However, the overall policy direction will still be determined by the Supreme Leader.
