Iran, Pezeshkian Assumes Office: “National Unity, Constructive Engagement with the World”

The 69-year-old president, considered a “reformist,” won the July 6 election

Massoud Pezeshkian was appointed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and was sworn in as Iran’s new president on July 30.

Pezeshkian, former health minister, defeated ultraconservative Saeed Jalili in the July 5, 2024 runoff election, called early because of the death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19.

Pezeshkian said the government, which he has two weeks to form, will be an expression of “national unity” and will include both women and representatives of all factions and religious minorities.

In any case, Ali Khamenei has the final say on key policy lines and is directly involved in appointing certain ministers, such as intelligence, defense, internal, and foreign affairs.

In his speech, he then explained that he would seek “constructive engagement with the world based on the principles of dignity, wisdom, and benefit,” reaffirming the policy of “non-covertness” toward the West as well. One of the goals of his mandate will be to achieve through negotiations the lifting of sanctions that are slowing down the country’s development. In this regard, as reported by the Italian Agenzia Nova news agency, the new president explained that “the Iranian nuclear program is peaceful, as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” in any case the intention is to “respect the commitments made under the nuclear agreement.” Then the position on Gaza, where there is a war, defined as “genocide,” is very tough.