Ayatollah Khamenei Endorses Masoud Pezeshkian as Iran’s President
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei formally endorsed Masoud Pezeshkian as the nation’s president during a ceremony broadcast live on state television. Pezeshkian, known for his moderate stance, has pledged to adopt a pragmatic foreign policy and ease domestic repression.
Taking office during heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and issues surrounding Hezbollah in Lebanon, Pezeshkian’s leadership arrives at a crucial time. On the same day, Iran issued a warning to Israel against escalating military actions in Lebanon following a recent attack in the Golan Heights, which Israel attributed to Hezbollah.
In his endorsement speech, Khamenei reiterated Iran’s strong anti-Israel position, denouncing Israel as a “criminal gang” and a “terrorist band” while also commending Hamas for its actions in Gaza. Despite the presidential change, significant shifts in Iran’s regional policies, especially its support for various militia groups, are not anticipated due to the powerful Revolutionary Guards’ predominant role in these matters, who are directly accountable to Khamenei.
Pezeshkian’s presidency kindles some hope for thawing relations with Western nations, potentially easing the nuclear standoff with global powers. However, as Khamenei retains ultimate control over critical state policies, including foreign and nuclear policies, any significant policy changes remain uncertain.
The new president faces domestic pressures, chiefly the economic strain from US sanctions reimposed after the 2015 nuclear deal’s collapse. Pezeshkian’s primary economic objective will be to navigate these challenges and alleviate the sanctions’ impacts. Khamenei emphasized the need for proactive and effective responses to global issues, prioritizing economic recovery.
Pezeshkian succeeds Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash in May
