Iran-Iraq war veteran turned president, who is Pezeshkian?

Reuters

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Update: 06 July 2024, 13:56

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Massoud Pezeshkian is a little-known moderate politician. was an Iran reformist legislator. From being a cardiologist, he is now the elected president of the country. His victory has given hope to billions of Iranians longing for social freedom and a more pragmatic foreign policy.

Pezeshkian took part in the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s and worked as a medic. He was responsible for deploying medical personnel on the battlefield.

Pezeshkian was the Minister of Health from 2001 to 2005 during President Khatami’s regime. He lost his wife and one child in a road accident in 1994. He did not marry later. He is now living with two sons and a daughter.

Pezeshkian defeated radical candidate Saeed Jalili in the second round of Iran’s presidential election on Friday. There is some possibility that he will be welcomed by the world powers as he wins. He can find a way to a peaceful solution to the intense tension in Iran’s relations with Western countries centered on Tehran’s rapidly developing nuclear program. That’s what analysts think.

Pezeshkian has received support from people who are believed to be mainly the urban middle class and young people.

The 69-year-old heart surgeon has vowed to steer Iran toward a pragmatic foreign policy. He vowed to revive the international nuclear deal signed in 2015 to ease tensions and brighten the future of social freedom and political pluralism as talks with world powers stalled.

who is Pezeshkian?

Pezheshkian is a believer in the theological regime of Iran. He has no desire to engage in conflict with the powerful authorities of the security forces and religious rulers. Meanwhile, he has vowed not to challenge Khamenei’s policies in various televised debates and interviews.

In Iran’s dual system of religious leaders and democratic rule, the president lacks the power to make major policy changes regarding the country’s nuclear program or support for Tehran-backed militia groups across the Middle East. Because Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared these as top priority state matters.

Whatever he is, the newly elected president may be closely involved in influencing the tone of state policy and the nomination of Ayatollah Khamenei’s successor. Ayatollah Khamenei’s current age is 85 years.

Pezeshkian is confident in his country’s theological regime. He has no desire to engage in conflict with the powerful authorities of the security forces and religious rulers. Meanwhile, he has vowed not to challenge Khamenei’s policies in various televised debates and interviews.

In a video message before the election, Pezeshkian told voters, “If I try and fail to fulfill my election promises, I will say goodbye to political activity.” I will not continue it. There is no opportunity to waste time in our life and in serving our dear people.’

If I try and fail to fulfill my election promises, I will bid farewell to political activities. I will not continue it. There is no opportunity to waste time in our life and in serving our beloved people.

—Massoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s new president

After years of political seclusion, reformist politicians in Iran have broken their silence. . After this incident, the reformist camp led by former President Mohammad Khatami supported Pezeshkian in this election.

Pezeshkian’s views differ from those of Ayatollah Khamenei-backed former president Raisi. Raisi strictly enforced the law to curb women’s freedom of dress. He also took a tough stance on speeding up Iran’s faltering talks with the international community on the nuclear deal.

In 2018, then US President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement and imposed new sanctions on Iran. His move prompted Tehran to break the terms of the agreement.

limited capacity

Pezeshkian has promised to reinvigorate the country’s stagnant economy, end mismanagement, crack down on corruption and deal with US sanctions.

The president is surrounded by people loyal to Supreme Leader Khamenei. In this situation, many Iranians hoping to establish political pluralism at home and end Tehran’s isolation at the international level are skeptical that Pezeshkian’s efforts to sidestep the ruling theological regime will bring about major changes.

Pezeshkian has the support of people who are believed to be mainly the urban middle class and young people. .

Sohrab Hosseini, a 45-year-old businessman from Kish Island, Iran. He said Pezeshkian could bring some social freedom. But he will be a weak president. Because Khamenei and his associates are much more powerful than the president. The businessman also said that he voted for Pezeshkian after he lost to the radical candidate Jalili.

Pezeshkian has served as a lawmaker since 2008. Pezeshkian, a member of the minority Azeri community, supports the rights of people from his community. Criticized the repression of political and social dissidents.

In 2022, Pezeshkian demanded an explanation from the authorities regarding the death of Masha Amini. Masha Amini died in the custody of security forces after being arrested for allegedly violating hijab laws. In this incident, there were massive protests across the country for several months.

After the first round of voting, Pezeshkian said, “We will respect the law on hijab.”