Who is Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran's New Reformist President?
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Iran has elected a reformist president, Masoud Pezeshkian, a former health minister known for his moderately liberal approach in Iran's largely conservative political landscape.
The Details: Pezeshkian defeated his hardline conservative rival in a runoff presidential election. His campaign promised to improve Iran's relations with the West, ease enforcement of the country's mandatory headscarf law, and resume discussions about Iran's nuclear program. His win has sparked celebrations in the streets, as many young Iranians, previously planning to leave the country, reportedly found renewed optimism for their future at home.
For Context: The country's previous president, Ebrahim Raisi, died in a plane crash in May. Pezeshkian's victory comes after a low voter turnout in the first round and dissatisfaction over the lack of choice in the elections. Despite the vote, skepticism remains, as the supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, continues to hold the ultimate say over government policies.
How The Media Covered It: Most of the media coverage emphasized the victory of a reformist candidate and its potential implications for Iran's future. BBC News (Center bias) focused on Pezeshkian’s personal history and “hope” given to “some women and younger voters.” In its analysis, ZeroHedge (Lean Right bias) reported Pezeshkian's victory in the context of historically low voter turnout. While coverage was generally positive, it also indicated skepticism of the idea that Pezeshkian was truly a “moderate.” An editor wrote this summary with the help of AllSides-powered AI.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Right
Iran Elects Reformist President Amid Low Turnout, Young People Celebrate In StreetsThe reformist and 'moderate' Masoud Pezeshkian has been elected as Iran's new president, defeating his hardline conservative rival Saeed Jalili, after gaining 53.3% of the 30+ million votes counted.
While Jalili was seen as the status quo candidate, by and large expected to continue his predecessor's policies, Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and member of the Iranian parliament, has vowed to seek an end to the Islamic Republic's global isolation.
As part of this push, the 71-year old has called for "constructive negotiations" with the West on Iran's nuclear program, in hopes getting US-led sanctions...
From the Left
Iran's New President Masoud Pezeshkian Could Shake Up Foreign PolicyIran has a new president in Masoud Pezeshkian, The Washington Post reports, after the reformist candidate beat conservative hard-liner Saeed Jalili in a runoff election held Friday, July 5. Pezeshkian’s win marks the first time in two decades that a reformist candidate will lead the Islamic Republic, yet the 69-year-old was the only reformist approved to run in snap elections following the death of conservative Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024. According to Iran’s election headquarters, Pezeshkian clinched 16.3 million votes, nearly 3 million more votes than Jalili’s...
From the Center
Iran's new president gives hope to some women and younger votersA relatively moderate member of the Iranian parliament, Masoud Pezeshkian, has been declared the next president of Iran after beating his hardline conservative rival by a decisive margin in Friday’s run-off presidential elections.
The 69-year-old will replace Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash last month.
Dr Pezeshkian’s mostly young supporters took to the streets of the capital, Tehran, and other cities to celebrate - even before the final results were declared, singing, dancing and waving his campaign's signature green flags.
He has given some of the nation's younger...
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