Masoud Pezeshkian was officially inaugurated as the 9th President of Iran on Tuesday in a ceremony held at the Iranian Parliament in Tehran. The swearing-in event, which began at 16:00 local time, was attended by over 70 foreign delegates, including high-ranking officials and representatives from regional and international organizations.
Pezeshkian’s rise to the presidency follows a dramatic political period marked by the sudden death of his predecessor, President Ebrahim Raeisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May. The snap election held on July 5 saw Pezeshkian win decisively with 53.7% of the vote, defeating former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, who garnered 44.3%.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei officially endorsed Pezeshkian on Sunday, validating his election and marking the beginning of his presidency.
The ceremony was notable for its attendance by a diverse group of international dignitaries, including representatives from Armenia, Tajikistan, Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Cuba, Brazil, and the European Union, represented by envoy Enrique Mora. The event also saw the presence of key figures from Iran’s regional allies, such as Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Islamic Jihad leader Ziyad al-Nakhalah, Hezbollah’s deputy secretary general Naim Qassem, and Yemen’s Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam.
The swearing-in occurred against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, particularly following the Gaza war that began in early October. The conflict, sparked by an attack on Israel by Hamas, has led to significant unrest, including recent concerns over a possible war between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. A rocket attack from Lebanon on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights has further strained the situation, with accusations and denials of responsibility contributing to the tension.
During the ceremony, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf condemned what he described as Israel’s “crimes” in Gaza, while some attendees chanted anti-Israel and anti-American slogans. This reflects Iran’s longstanding policy of supporting the Palestinian cause, which has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Pezeshkian, a former health minister and the only reformist candidate allowed to run in the election, has pledged to pursue a more constructive approach in foreign relations. His campaign focused on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, which was derailed when the United States withdrew in 2018. Pezeshkian has expressed a desire to rebuild relations with European countries, despite accusing them of failing to honor commitments related to mitigating the impact of renewed U.S. sanctions.
As president, Pezeshkian has reaffirmed support for the “axis of resistance,” which includes Iran-aligned groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis. This support extends to Hamas and their fight against Israel, a position that has shaped Iran’s regional strategy and international relations.
Under Iran’s political structure, the president has limited powers compared to the Supreme Leader, who holds ultimate authority. Pezeshkian’s role will be closely watched to see how he navigates Iran’s complex domestic and international landscape. His immediate challenge will be to balance domestic expectations with international diplomacy, particularly in light of ongoing sanctions and regional conflicts.
Masoud Pezeshkian’s inauguration marks a new chapter for Iran amid ongoing regional tensions and internal challenges. His presidency will be pivotal in shaping Iran’s foreign policy and addressing the numerous issues facing the country on the international stage.
