Iran’s President-Elect Pledges Unity and Reform in Inaugural Address

Iran’s president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to serve all Iranians in his maiden public speech following his victory over hardline contender Saeed Jalili in the run-off election.

Addressing the nation from the Iranian capital Tehran, Pezeshkian expressed his win as a start of a new chapter for the country with a focus on overcoming challenges to ensure a prosperous life for the people.

At the mausoleum of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, where he spoke, Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of the Iranian populace and fulfilling all promises made during the campaign.

With nearly 16.4 million votes, Pezeshkian clinched victory over Jalili who garnered around 13.5 million votes as per the official count, leading to the Ministry of Interior officially declaring him as Iran’s next president.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was among the world leaders congratulating Pezeshkian, while Western leaders were yet to respond.

In a tightly contested election, Pezeshkian, representing a centrist and reform-oriented stance, secured the majority in a race that saw a nearly 50 percent voter turnout against Jalili, known for his stance on enhancing ties with Russia and China.

The post-election celebrations ensued as Jalili gracefully conceded defeat, emphasizing the importance of respecting the democratic process and supporting the elected leader.

With Pezeshkian set to take office within 30 days, his pledge to bridge the divide in Iranian society and work for the benefit of all citizens indicates a focus on unity and progress during his term.

Political analysts see Pezeshkian’s victory as a potential shift towards a pragmatic foreign policy, easing tensions and enhancing prospects for social empowerment in Iran, while considering the impact of international dynamics, including the US elections.

The road ahead for Iran, in terms of both domestic and foreign policies, will be shaped by the actions of the new president alongside the existing power structures represented by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.