TEHRAN, Iran (AP)

— Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei officially endorsed Masoud Pezeshkian as the new president on Sunday, marking a significant moment for the reformist politician and heart surgeon as he steps into leadership amid ongoing economic challenges exacerbated by international sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program. During the endorsement ceremony, Khamenei emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with neighboring countries, as well as African and Asian nations that have supported Iran, while criticizing European nations for their sanctions and alleged human rights violations. Khamenei also condemned Israel for its military actions in Gaza, labeling the Israeli regime as a "war criminal" and accusing it of committing atrocities against innocent civilians. He expressed outrage over the U.S. Congress's invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting the tensions surrounding Iran's foreign relations and the ongoing conflict in the region. In his inaugural address, Pezeshkian honored the late General Qassem Soleimani, a key figure in Iran's military strategy, and committed to a "constructive and efficient" foreign policy. He aims to uphold the rule of law, promote equal opportunities, support families, and protect the environment. Pezeshkian's first official act was appointing Mohammad Reza Aref, a moderate reformist, as his vice president. Taking over from the late Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash, Pezeshkian will be sworn in on Tuesday and has two weeks to form his cabinet. While he has pledged to maintain the Shiite theocracy's core principles, he faces the challenge of navigating between hard-liners and potential shifts in foreign policy.