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Moderate reformist Masud Pezeshkian has emerged as the winner of Iran’s runoff presidential vote, defeating ultraconservative hard-liner Saeed Jalili in a closely watched election. The 69-year-old former heart surgeon expressed his gratitude to young Iranians for their support, acknowledging their role in his victory.
Pezeshkian’s victory came amid a turnout of 49.8 percent, a significant increase from the record-low turnout in the first round. Celebrations broke out in Tehran and other cities, with social media videos capturing the excitement of his supporters.
As he prepares to take office, Pezeshkian acknowledged the challenges facing Iran, including economic hardships compounded by sanctions and a repressive theocracy. He called on Iranians to stand by him as he navigates the difficult path ahead.
Foreign leaders and members of the Iranian establishment, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, welcomed Pezeshkian’s victory and expressed their willingness to cooperate with the new president.
Pezeshkian has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and has called for a reevaluation of Iran’s enforcement of the Islamic headscarf. He has also expressed a willingness to negotiate with the West while upholding the principles of the Islamic republic.
Despite skepticism from Washington about the fairness of the election, global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Saudi King Salman, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulated Pezeshkian on his victory and expressed hope for strengthened relations with Iran.
As Pezeshkian prepares to take office, all eyes are on the future of Iran under his leadership and the potential impact on the country’s domestic and foreign policies.
