Iran’s reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian’s victory in the presidential runoff signals a shift from the conservative government of Ebrahim Raisi. As a former lawmaker and health minister, Pezeshkian’s win marked a return to the reformist agenda after years of being sidelined. He aims to make changes such as opposing the mandatory hijab law, disbanding Iran’s morality police, and improving relations with the West.
The election saw higher voter turnout fueled by a stark choice between Pezeshkian and hard-line candidate Saeed Jalili. Turnout increased by almost 10 percentage points, with Pezeshkian’s campaign slogan of “save Iran” resonating with those seeking change. Despite being a theocracy led by Ayatollah Khamenei, elections provide some legitimacy to Iran’s authoritarian system.
Pezeshkian will have to address challenges such as inflation, reviving the economy by reaching a deal with the US to lift sanctions, and improving relations with the West. His willingness to negotiate with Western powers and resume nuclear talks contrasts with his rival, Jalili, who sought closer ties with Russia and China. Under Raisi, Iran had continued developing its missile arsenal and nuclear program, while funding militant groups in the Middle East.
Pezeshkian’s victory is seen as a potential shift in Iran’s domestic and foreign policies, though the ultimate power still lies with Khamenei. While he may not diverge from Iran’s stance on issues like its animosity towards Israel, his presidency could tone down hard-line policies and attempts to defuse tensions with Western powers.
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