In Iran’s recent presidential run-off election, little-known heart surgeon Masoud Pezeshkian defeated ultraconservative ideologue Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian campaigned on limited, closer ties with the West and some reforms to strict moral codes for women, representing a blow to conservative factions in Iran. However, due to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s tight control over state matters, Pezeshkian may have limited immediate impact on policies. The new president will play a role in selecting Khamenei’s successor and influencing Iran’s overall domestic and foreign policy tone. The election took place amid economic hardships, political and social restrictions, and escalating tensions in the Middle East, including conflicts involving Iranian allies Hamas and Hezbollah. The snap election was called following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, with a record-low turnout in the first round as some Iranians boycotted the vote in protest. The second round saw a turnout of 50%, according to the interior ministry. Iran is also facing Western pressure over its nuclear program, adding to the complexities facing the new president.
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