Iran’s New President: “Honest and Caring”

Masoud Pezeshkian emerged victorious in the second round of Iran’s presidential election, with a reported turnout of 49.8 percent announced by the Interior Ministry.

The competition was closely contested between Masoud Pezeshkian, a lesser-known and sole moderate among four candidates, and Saeed Jalili, a former member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Pezeshkian, seen as a relatively moderate reformist candidate, became a frontrunner after securing the backing of major moderate and reformist parties.

Former reformist president Mohammad Khatami lauded Pezeshkian as "honest, fair, and caring," supporting his candidacy, as did moderate President Hassan Rouhani.

Despite being aligned with the ruling clerical establishment, Pezeshkian advocates for improved relations with the West, economic reforms, social liberalization, and political pluralism.

At 69 years old, he is the oldest candidate and is known for his outspoken views. He recently criticized the government's lack of transparency in the case of Mahsa Amini, whose death in custody sparked protests over Iran's strict dress code in late 2022.

"Over the past 40 years, our attempts to regulate the hijab have only worsened the situation," Pezeshkian remarked.

Born on September 29, 1954, to Azeri parents, he represents Tabriz in parliament. As a surgeon, previously served as health minister under reformist President Mohammad Khatami from August 2001 to August 2005 and has been a member of parliament since 2008.

Pezeshkian advocates for "constructive relations" with Washington and European capitals to end Iran's isolation.

In recent days, he has campaigned alongside Mohammad Jawad Zarif, who sought rapprochement with the West during his tenure as foreign minister.

صادق ومهتم"... معلومات عن الرئيس الإيراني الجديد"