Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist candidate, has won Iran’s presidential runoff election in a surprise victory. He defeated the ultra-conservative Saeed Jalili, receiving over 16 million votes compared to Jalili’s 13.5 million. The turnout increased significantly from the first round to nearly 50%, reflecting a renewed engagement in the political process.
Pezeshkian has positioned himself as an advocate for social freedoms and a more pragmatic approach to international relations. He campaigned on allowing women to choose whether to wear hijab and ending internet restrictions that have required Iranians to use VPNs to bypass government censorship. His campaign focused on personal integrity and being a “voice for the voiceless,” promising that protests would not be met with police batons.
However, Pezeshkian faces significant challenges in bringing about change, given Iran’s complex power structure. While he has pledged loyalty to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he has also stated that he will resign if he feels thwarted in his efforts to implement reforms. This election was triggered by the unexpected death of incumbent President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May, adding an element of unpredictability to Iran’s political landscape.
As a 69-year-old cardiac surgeon, Pezeshkian brings a diverse background to the presidency. He has served as a lawmaker since 2008 and was health minister from 2001-2005. While loyal to Iran’s theocratic system, he has not shied away from criticizing the suppression of dissent. Notably, he called for clarification on the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, which sparked widespread protests across the country.
Pezeshkian’s victory is seen as reflecting deep dissatisfaction with Iran’s recent direction, particularly among urban middle-class and young voters. He is expected to pursue a more pragmatic foreign policy and seek easing of sanctions, which could potentially lead to renewed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
The international community, particularly Western powers, now face a decision on how to respond to Pezeshkian’s election. They must weigh whether to ease sanctions to support his moderate agenda or maintain pressure due to ongoing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities.