Massoud Peseschkian is the new president of Iran. Expectations are high for the politician, who is considered moderate. What can he achieve?
Massoud Peseschkian is the new president of Iran. The 69-year-old, who is considered moderate, was sworn in in parliament in the capital Tehran and thus officially takes office as the ninth president of the Islamic Republic. According to Iranian sources, high-ranking representatives from 86 countries attended the swearing-in ceremony. Most Western countries had neither congratulated Peseschkian on his election victory nor were they on the parliament’s guest list.
As a candidate of the reform camp, Peseschkian was able to prevail in a run-off election in early July against Said Jalili, a hardliner and the system’s preferred candidate. After the swearing-in, Peseschkian will first introduce his vice presidents and cabinet members. So far, he has only appointed Mohammed-Reza Aref as his first vice president. The 71-year-old Aref was also Mohammad Khatami’s vice president from 2001 to 2005.
High expectations for Peseschkian
According to the Iranian constitution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, not the president, is the actual head of state of the country as the supreme leader. Therefore, Khamenei, not Peseschkian, will continue to have the final say in all strategic matters.
Nevertheless, expectations of Peseschkian are extremely high in the country. The new president’s most important task is to stimulate the country’s desolate economy. According to observers, however, this is not feasible without the lifting of the international sanctions imposed on Iran in connection with the nuclear dispute.
“Our first goal is justice for all without any discrimination,” said Peseschkian after the swearing-in. In terms of foreign policy, Iran wants a constructive dialogue with the international community. But this must be based on mutual respect, he continued.
No major changes expected in Middle East policy
In Middle East policy, there are few expectations that the new president will bring about any noticeable changes. For Peseschkian, too, the “liberation of Palestine from Israeli occupation” and support for the anti-Israeli resistance front are the main doctrines of foreign policy. His government wants peace and no tension, but cannot accept the Israeli crimes in Gaza, said Peseschkian.
According to observers, however, a direct conflict with arch-enemy Israel would be unlikely with Peseschkian. Due to the economic crisis in his own country – and his election slogan “For Iran” – Iranians also expect less support for the resistance groups that Tehran finances in the region.
After a 45-year icy period under Peseschkian, a rapprochement could be achieved with Egypt. Egyptian Foreign Minister Samih Shukri travelled to Tehran for the swearing-in of the new president. Iran has long hoped to fully resume diplomatic relations with Cairo. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi congratulated his new Iranian counterpart on his election victory.
Internet restrictions and women’s rights as domestic policy homework
In terms of domestic politics, two issues stand out: Internet policy and women’s rights. The Internet restrictions imposed by the hardliners in parliament have paralyzed many online companies in particular. In this respect, Peseschkian’s voters expect a consistent and uncompromising approach to parliament and a rapid abolition of the massive restrictions.
For women, it is about the strict street checks by the morality police, which are intended to force them to comply with the Islamic dress code. Since the women’s movement in 2022 and the nationwide protests, women have increasingly ignored the Islamic dress code and in particular the wearing of the obligatory headscarf. Recently, there have been stricter checks again, which in some cases have led to police violence against women and arrests. Peseschkian promised during the election campaign to stop the checks immediately.
Since the runoff election, there has been a real Peseschkian euphoria in the reform camp; his supporters see him as a new beacon of hope. Observers, however, warn against high expectations. The new president is largely a political unknown. The heart surgeon only had government experience between 2011 and 2015 as Minister of Health; otherwise he only worked in parliament. It remains to be seen whether he can prevail as president against the powerful clergy and the Islamic hardliners in parliament.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
