In a formal endorsement ceremony, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, officially endorsed Masoud Pezeshkian as the new president of Iran. Pezeshkian, a reformist politician and heart surgeon, is set to lead a country grappling with economic sanctions due to its nuclear program.
During the ceremony, Khamenei urged Pezeshkian to prioritize relations with neighboring countries, as well as African and Asian nations, and countries that have supported Iran in its foreign policies. He criticized European nations for imposing sanctions and condemned Israel for its actions in Gaza, labeling the Israeli regime as a war criminal.
Speaking at the event, Pezeshkian pledged to pursue a constructive and efficient foreign policy, strengthen the rule of law, provide equal opportunities to citizens, support families, and protect the environment. His first official act was appointing Mohammad Reza Aref, a moderate reformist, as his first vice-president.
Pezeshkian succeeds Ebrahim Raisi, whose death in a helicopter crash led to the early election. He is expected to take the oath of office in parliament and form his cabinet within two weeks for a vote of confidence.
The new president has promised continuity in Iran's Shiite theocracy, with Ayatollah Khamenei as the final authority. However, he faces the challenge of balancing hard-liners and reformists within the government.
One of the key challenges Pezeshkian faces is the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as Western concerns over Iran's uranium enrichment activities. Iran has engaged in indirect talks with the U.S. administration regarding its nuclear program, but economic sanctions against Tehran remain in place.
Overall, Pezeshkian's presidency marks a critical juncture for Iran's foreign policy and domestic governance, with the international community closely watching the developments under his leadership.
