Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has officially endorsed Masoud Pezeshkian as the country’s new president in a ceremony held on July 28, 2024, at the Khomeini Mosque in Tehran. Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old reformist and former heart surgeon, won the recent presidential election with 53.6% of the vote, defeating conservative candidate Said Jalili.The election was called early following the unexpected death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024. Pezeshkian will be sworn in as Iran’s ninth president since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979 on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, before the country’s parliament.In his endorsement, Khamenei praised Pezeshkian as “wise, honest, popular, and scholarly”. The Supreme Leader also emphasized that Iran’s foreign policy priorities should remain focused on neighboring countries and those that have supported Iran during times of pressure.Pezeshkian has promised to pursue a “constructive and efficient” foreign policy, including improving relations with the West and working towards reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. He has also pledged to relax the mandatory hijab law and protect the environment. However, as president, Pezeshkian’s powers will be limited, especially in foreign policy and security matters, which remain under the control of the Supreme Leader.The new president has appointed Mohammad Reza Aref as his first vice president. As Pezeshkian takes office, he faces significant challenges, including economic problems stemming from international sanctions, recent protests, and the task of negotiating with the country’s conservative parliament.
Key points
- Masoud Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old reformist, has been officially endorsed as Iran’s new president by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- The early election was called due to the death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024.
- Pezeshkian has promised to improve relations with the West, work towards reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, and address domestic issues such as the mandatory hijab law.
- The new president faces significant challenges, including economic sanctions, recent protests, and negotiations with a conservative parliament.
Contradictions👾There are discrepancies in the reported election results, with some sources stating Pezeshkian won 53.
6% of the vote, while others report 53.
66% or 54%.
👾One source incorrectly states that Ebrahim Raisi is the new president, which contradicts all other sources reporting Masoud Pezeshkian as the winner.
👾Another source mentions Ebrahim Baghaei as the new president, which is inconsistent with all other reports.
