In a historic and tightly contested election, Masoud Pezeshkian, former Minister of Health and prominent reformist candidate, emerged victorious in Iran’s presidential race. Pezeshkian secured 16.4 million votes, defeating his main opponent, Said Jalil, who garnered 13.5 million votes. This election saw thirty million Iranians participate in the second round of early elections, marking a 49.8% turnout compared to the first round.
Pezeshkian is set to succeed former President Ibrahim Raisi, who tragically passed away in a plane crash on May 19 this year. The election of Pezeshkian signals a significant shift in Iran’s political landscape, potentially ushering in a new era of reform and pro-Western foreign policy.
The Political Journey of Masoud Pezeshkian
Masoud Pezeshkian has a diverse background, with an Iranian Azeri father and an Iranian Kurdish mother. He earned his medical degree in 1980 and served as a frontline doctor during the Iran-Iraq War. A veteran of the 1979 revolution, Pezeshkian supported Imam Khomeini in overthrowing the Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi.
Pezeshkian’s political career began in earnest in 2000 when he became the secretary to the Minister of Health. His rise continued under reformist President Mohammad Khatami, who appointed him as Minister of Health in 2001. In this year’s presidential election, Pezeshkian received backing from influential reformist figures, including former Presidents Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani, and former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Khonsari. Despite his reformist support, Pezeshkian describes himself as a proponent of “justice-oriented principles.”
The Impact of Pezeshkian’s Presidency
The election’s outcome could herald a new chapter in Iran’s domestic and international politics. Following the contentious 2009 elections, which were marred by allegations of fraud and subsequent protests, this year’s election is seen as a step towards restoring trust in Iran’s democratic process. Prominent reformist Mehdi Karroubi, who was a key figure in the 2009 protests, participated in this election and encouraged others to do the same, indicating a renewed faith in the electoral system.
Pezeshkian’s victory could lead to a more pro-Western foreign policy for Iran. However, it is anticipated that he will continue to build on Iran’s recent diplomatic successes, including the reestablishment of ties with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, joining BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and securing trade agreements with neighboring countries. These developments, alongside Iran’s role in the North-South corridor through agreements with Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and others, have strengthened Iran’s regional relations.
Regional and International Prospects
Pezeshkian’s presidency could enhance cooperation between Iran and countries in the South Caucasus region, fostering peace and prosperity. For Georgia, closer ties with Tehran may help balance its international relations, diversify energy and commodity sources, and achieve its goal of becoming a regional transit hub.
Before officially assuming the presidency, Pezeshkian must resign from his current parliamentary position, a step that requires ratification by his fellow parliamentarians.
As Iran prepares for this political transition, many observers are hopeful that Pezeshkian’s leadership will bring positive changes both domestically and internationally, reinforcing Iran’s role as a key player in the region.
