Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist leader, has been sworn in as the new President of Iran. He defeated hardliner Saeed Jalili in the recent presidential election. The ceremony took place in the Iranian parliament and was attended by foreign dignitaries.
Results for: Hardliner
Iran will hold a runoff election on July 5th between reformist candidate Massoud Pezeshkian and hardliner Saeed Jalili, after no candidate secured a majority in the initial vote. Pezeshkian, who emerged as the most popular candidate, has expressed support for the rights of minorities, women, and border areas. The low voter turnout of 39.9% highlights the challenges facing the Iranian regime.
Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner who won Iran’s 2021 presidential polls with the lowest-ever turnout, has passed away. Raisi faced US sanctions for his role in the mass execution of thousands of political prisoners in 1988. As a protégé of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Raisi held various positions, including prosecutor general of Tehran and chief justice of Iran. During his tenure, Iran enriched uranium to nearly weapons-grade. Raisi’s death has implications for Iran’s internal stability, foreign policy, and relations with the West. While Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will temporarily assume the presidency, a new election must be held within 50 days. Analysts expect a continuation of hardline policies, which may further escalate tensions with the West and impact Iran’s nuclear program.