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In a dramatic change of events, reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian defeated hard-line contender Saeed Jalili to win Iran’s presidential election. Pezeshkian received 53.3 percent of the more than 30 million votes counted, while Jalili received 44.3 percent. The results were declared after this. This crucial vote takes place at a crucial moment when tensions both domestically and internationally are at an all-time high.
significant impact on Iran’s foreign policy, relations with the international community, and domestic political climate?
First and foremost, it is critical to draw attention to the unusually low voter turnout of 49.8% between 1980 and 1988. one procedure, possible dissatisfaction with the candidates, and possibly a more general feeling of indifference or disappointment.
Pezeshkian has navigated two distinct career paths in medicine and politics. As an Iranian heart surgeon of Azerbaijani and Kurdish heritage, he was actively involved in the 1980–1988 Iran–Iraq war, not only sending medical teams to the front lines but also serving as a combatant and physician. After the conflict, he furthered his medical studies, focusing on general surgery at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and obtaining a subspecialty in cardiac surgery from Iran University of Medical Sciences in 1993. His surgical expertise led to his appointment as president of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 1994, a role he held for five years.
In 1994, a car accident resulted in the tragic loss of his wife, Fatemeh Majidi, and one of his daughters. Pezeshkian entered politics when he accepted a position as deputy health minister in Mohammed Khatami’s government. In 2001, he received a promotion to health minister, a post he kept until 2005.
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For several strong reasons, Pezeshkian is frequently classified as a reformist or moderate in Iran’s political system. Like prior presidents Hassan Rouhani and Mohammad Khatami, he is in favor of promoting better ties with Western countries, especially the US. His support for closer diplomatic connections stems from his conviction that these relationships may eventually result in the relaxation of sanctions, increased trade opportunities, economic growth, and the establishment of a more powerful Islamic Republic.
Furthermore, Pezeshkian has not held back when criticizing the Iranian government, especially when it comes to how it has handled protests.
He has expressed worry over the harsh actions taken by the government against protestors, bringing up concerns about women’s rights and the application of the hijab law in particular. “We will respect the hijab law;”there should never be any insensitive or cruel treatment of women.”
The low voter turnout is indicative of a more disenchanted public.
