Iran's New President Vows to Foster Relations with the West
- Masoud Pezeshkian emphasizes that the Iranian citizens have expressed a desire for change through their votes.
- He promises a constructive approach in diplomatic relations with Western countries.
- This move marks a significant potential shift in Iran's political landscape and foreign policy.
In a significant move marking his presidency, Pezeshkian appointed Mohammad Reza Aref, a seasoned reformist and ally of former President Hassan Rouhani, as his first vice-president. The inauguration ceremony in Tehran was attended by key diplomats and political figures, where Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei emphasized the importance of maintaining close ties with nations that supported Iran during sanctions. Khamenei also hinted at the possibility of improved relations with European countries, contingent upon changes in their behavior towards Iran. Pezeshkian, a medical surgeon and former health minister, is expected to align closely with Khamenei's conservative stance, particularly following the death of Ebrahim Raisi, his predecessor. While the political landscape has shifted since Raisi's passing, it remains uncertain how far Pezeshkian will push against the prevailing suppressive norms in Iranian society. However, there are signs of potential reform, as former President Mohammad Khatami has engaged with Pezeshkian regarding appointments, and dissident Majid Tavakoli has been released from prison pending retrial. The new administration faces significant internal and external challenges, highlighted by extreme heat forcing the closure of government offices and banks. Externally, tensions with Israel escalated following a deadly strike in the Golan Heights, prompting Pezeshkian to express support for Hezbollah in a letter to its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. He acknowledged that while ties with Russia and China are vital, they cannot fully mitigate the effects of sanctions, necessitating a renewed diplomatic approach with the West regarding Iran's nuclear program.