Masoud Pezeshkian Wins Iranian Presidential Election

Tehran, Iran – Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has won the presidential election in Iran. He received over 16.3 million votes, defeating his ultraconservative rival Saeed Jalili, who got more than 13.5 million votes. The voter turnout was 49.8%.

Pezeshkian, a former health minister and heart surgeon, was the only reformist candidate allowed to run. He supports holding talks with Iran’s adversaries to address domestic issues. He has also been vocal against the use of force to implement religious faith, especially after the 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody.

Pezeshkian’s election comes after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. He aims to bring social changes and facilitate talks with Western nations, although experts believe immediate policy changes are unlikely.

Iran is currently facing international isolation, internal discontent, and escalating tensions with Israel. Pezeshkian’s presidency might offer a more moderate face for Iran, but significant changes are not guaranteed.