The results are in for Iran's presidential election, with reformist Masoud Pezeshkian declared victor over hardliner rival Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian's campaign promised to connect Iran with Western nations, ending a longstanding confrontation with American leadership.
Pezeshkian, a seasoned heart surgeon, and long-standing parliamentarian, gained a sweeping 16.3 million votes against Jalili's 13.5 million. The nation's mood is buoyant as supporters celebrate a significant shift in governance. Even during the vote count, supporters thronged the streets in jubilation over Pezeshkian's victory.
Despite the unexpected early election following the untimely helicopter crash demise of incumbent President Ebrahim Raisi, Pezeshkian has made clear his intent: the ruling Shia theocracy will not see radical changes under his watch.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's voice carries significant weight in Iran. Pezeshkian is one of the many who view Khamenei as the final arbiter on all state affairs. Yet, Pezeshkian has been a vocal advocate for improving relations with the West, which have been strained under sanctions.
After the passing of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, Iran was compelled to hold expedited presidential elections. As one of Khamenei’s closest confidants and his purported successor, Raisi's sudden death triggered the constitutional 50-day threshold for elections to be held.
For the new President Pezeshkian, foreign policy poses a significant challenge. With Supreme Leader Khamenei's policies previously clashing with U.S. leadership, tensions loom large—from the Israel-Hamas conflict to the broader Middle Eastern unrest and militia groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis potentially causing strife from Lebanon to Yemen.
The presidential runoff saw Pezeshkian and Jalili neck and neck. Pezeshkian was part of a select group of contenders who vowed to open Iran to the global community, notably restoring ties with Western nations. Meanwhile, Jalili favored alignment with Russia and China, in compliance with Khamenei's policies.
During Pezeshkian's term, Iran may finalize the 2015 nuclear deal to ease crippling sanctions. While social and political changes are anticipated, Pezeshkian's stance on the hijab remains unclear. However, he has condemned excessive enforcement in response to the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.
World media reports suggest that Iranians harbor doubts regarding Pezeshkian's capability to fulfill his campaign promises. The president-elect has been transparent during his campaign about not intending to entangle with Iran's clerics or security forces' power corridors.
