Iran’s Presidential Election: Masoud Pezeshkian vs. Saeed Jalili in Second Round

Tehran, Iran – Iran is preparing for an important moment as the presidential election heads into a second round on Friday. The election was called after former President Ebrahim Raisi tragically died in a helicopter crash on May 19, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other officials.

In the first round of voting on June 28, no candidate secured the required majority. Reformist lawmaker Masoud Pezeshkian and ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili emerged as the top contenders. Pezeshkian led with 42.5% of the votes, while Jalili had 38.6%.

The election saw the lowest voter turnout in Iran’s history, with only 40% of eligible voters participating. This low turnout highlighted widespread dissatisfaction among Iranians with the ruling clerical establishment.

In the lead-up to the second round, political alliances have shifted. Some conservative factions have started supporting Pezeshkian, despite initially endorsing other candidates. Notable endorsements for Pezeshkian include Sardar Mohsen Rashid, a founding member of the IRGC, and Sami Nazari Tarkarani, who led Ghalibaf’s campaign.

Pezeshkian advocates for re-engaging with Western powers to lift sanctions and improve Iran’s economy. Jalili, on the other hand, supports a confrontational stance towards the West and emphasizes self-sufficiency and resilience.

The election’s outcome will impact Iran’s domestic policies and international relations, including its stance on the nuclear program and regional conflicts. While the Supreme Leader holds significant authority, the president’s approach can influence Iran’s global standing.

As the second round approaches, both candidates are expected to intensify their campaigns to win over undecided voters and mobilize their supporters.