Iran is set to hold presidential elections on Friday, June 28th, with the outcome poised to determine the course of the country’s foreign policy. Following the sudden death of former president Ebrahim Raisi, the race for the presidency features a lineup of candidates, predominantly anti-US hardliners, reflecting Iran’s longstanding policy of diminishing Washington’s influence in the Middle East while asserting power through regional allies like Hezbollah.
Masoud Pezeshkian, the lone reformist candidate, stands out with his advocacy for improved ties with the United States. Criticizing his conservative rivals for damaging Iran’s economy through their refusal to revive the nuclear deal with the West, Pezeshkian underscores his commitment to engagement with the West by appointing former foreign minister Javad Zarif as his foreign policy advisor. Zarif, instrumental in negotiating the nuclear deal under President Hassan Rouhani, symbolizes Pezeshkian’s willingness to pursue diplomatic avenues. Pezeshkian’s approach extends to a reevaluation of Iran’s relationship with Russia, suggesting a move towards diversification of international alliances, moving away from sole reliance on Russia and China. His stance hints at a potential return to diplomatic negotiations aimed at lifting sanctions and fostering economic growth.
Saeed Jalili, a 58-year-old hardliner and former senior nuclear negotiator, presents a contrasting perspective, advocating for a firm stance against the West. Jalili emphasizes self-reliance and resistance to Western pressure, advocating for robust economic measures to deter sanctions. He proposes strengthening economic ties with Latin American and African nations to counter US influence, a strategy aimed at neutralizing Washington’s impact. Jalili maintains that Iran need not negotiate over its nuclear program, a position that has consistently clashed with Western diplomats since 2007. His stance also includes support for alternative trade mechanisms such as barter systems.
Tehran’s current mayor, Alireza Zakani, also advocates for a diplomatic strategy to mitigate the effects of international sanctions, though he leaves room for negotiation with the West. Zakani, 58, believes that if the US takes corrective measures and amends past mistakes, dialogue would be feasible. Like Jalili, he emphasizes the world’s expanse beyond America and a few European nations, focusing on strengthening Iran’s robust relations with powerful Eastern nations like China and Russia. Zakani envisions entering negotiations from a position of strength, emphasizing mutual respect. He supports reducing reliance on the dollar and leveraging Iran’s position as a rising power in the East to secure favorable international terms.
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the 62-year-old speaker of the Iranian parliament, is considered a frontrunner in the presidential race. Known for his pragmatic hardline stance, Qalibaf supports reviving the nuclear deal that the US abandoned in 2018. He has declared, “We will definitely negotiate and reach an agreement” to revitalize Iran’s nuclear deal with the US. Qalibaf’s foreign policy approach balances hardline principles with the necessity of international negotiations. His potential presidency could see renewed efforts to alleviate economic sanctions through diplomatic channels while maintaining a strong nationalistic rhetoric.
Amirhossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, 53, who served as one of Raisi’s vice presidents, is known for his loyalty to Raisi’s policies. He garnered less than a million votes in the 2021 presidential election. Ghazizadeh Hashemi has extensively emphasized the importance of adhering to Raisi’s policies, including resisting foreign investment. In the past, he supported the implementation of the JCPOA and ongoing nuclear talks with the P5+1. However, he has criticized the United Arab Emirates’ normalization of relations with Israel, deeming it a betrayal of the Palestinian people. His stance provides insight into his potential approach to Middle Eastern relations, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He also aims to strengthen economic ties with neighboring countries and engage with the Iranian diaspora, prioritizing regional partnerships over Western alliances.
Mostafa Pourmohammadi, 64, the only Shiite cleric in the race, holds a history as interior minister under Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and justice minister under Rouhani. Notably, he was labeled a “notorious human rights violator” by the US State Department for his role in the 1988 mass executions. This history makes his relationship with the West unlikely to improve. Despite this, Pourmohammadi has insisted on the need for the next president to engage with the world. He has criticized Iran’s support for Russia in the Ukraine war, arguing that Tehran is not receiving adequate returns from Moscow. Pourmohammadi’s foreign policy perspective involves pragmatic dealings with global powers while advocating for better returns on Iran’s international engagements. His approach suggests a level of ideological rigidity and traditionalism.
As Iran heads to the polls, the array of candidates showcases varying degrees of hardline and pragmatic approaches to foreign policy. While most contenders maintain a strong stance against the US, their approaches to international relations diverge, with some advocating for renewed diplomacy and others emphasizing self-reliance and alternative alliances. The outcome of the election will significantly shape Iran’s relations not only with the West but also with China, Latin America, Africa, and Russia. The stage is set for a potential redefinition of Iran’s global engagement, depending on who ascends to the presidency.
