Iranian reformist Masoud Pezeshkian elected as the first president from western Iran

Iran has elected Masoud Pezeshkian as its new president in a surprising victory for the reformist camp, amidst widespread social discontent, economic challenges, and regional conflicts. Pezeshkian secured 16.3 million votes, defeating his hard-line rival Saeed Jalili, who garnered 13.5 million votes in the election with a 49.8% turnout. Despite being seen as a "token reformist" with limited name recognition, Pezeshkian aims to ease social restrictions like the hijab law and improve relations with the West, potentially restarting nuclear talks with global powers. The 69-year-old Pezeshkian's victory comes at a critical time for Iran, with tensions high in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, Iran's nuclear program advancements, and the upcoming U.S. election that could impact relations between Tehran and Washington. The election saw the lowest turnout in the history of the Islamic Republic, reflecting growing discontent with the Shiite theocracy amid economic hardships and crackdowns on dissent. Pezeshkian's win signals a potential shift in Iran's domestic and foreign policies, although fundamental changes are deemed unlikely given the entrenched power structures guided by the Supreme Leader and the Revolutionary Guard. As the new head of government, Pezeshkian faces significant challenges in navigating Iran's foreign policy and managing regional conflicts. While he aims to bring about some reforms and engage with the West, his authority is constrained by the broader strategic decisions set by influential bodies within Iran. Despite hopes for change, the overall political landscape in Iran remains firmly rooted in existing power structures, limiting the extent of transformation even with a reformist president at the helm. The election process itself was marked by the disqualification of female candidates and a restricted candidate pool, underscoring the ongoing challenges to political participation and diversity in Iran's leadership.