Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran’s presidential runoff election by promising to reach out to the West and ease enforcement of the country’s mandatory headscarf law after years of sanctions and protests. Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and longtime lawmaker, defeated hard-liner Saeed Jalili in the election. Despite Pezeshkian’s win, Iran still faces challenges such as tension in the Middle East, concerns over its nuclear program, and a potential U.S. election that could impact relations with Washington.
The election saw a historically low turnout, but Pezeshkian’s victory was not a complete landslide, indicating a need for careful navigation of Iran’s internal politics. The election came amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran engaging in direct attacks on Israel and milItia groups armed by Tehran escalating violence in the region.
Pezeshkian’s victory also raised questions about the future direction of Iran’s foreign policy, especially in relation to the West. The campaign highlighted the impact of former President Donald Trump’s actions in withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and the potential implications of a win by him in the November election.
Pezeshkian emphasized his support for Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard during the campaign, praising their actions and criticizing the United States. The election involved over 61 million eligible voters, with efforts to boost participation by extending voting hours. The late President Ebrahim Raisi, seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was known for his involvement in mass executions and violent crackdowns on dissent.
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