US State Department Skeptical of Fundamental Changes in Iran’s Presidential Elections
In a recent briefing, Vedant Patel of the US State Department expressed skepticism about the upcoming presidential elections in Iran. The US does not expect the elections to bring about any significant changes in the direction of the Iranian regime. Patel highlighted the lack of transparency and fairness in the election process, casting doubt on the official turnout numbers provided by the Iranian government.
The extraordinary presidential election held on June 28 saw Masoud Pezeshkian leading with 10.4 million votes. With a voter turnout of 40 percent, a second round between Pezeshkian and Saeed Jalili is scheduled for July 5. Despite the participation of over 24.5 million voters, concerns remain about the legitimacy of the election results and the prospects for real change in Iran.
As tensions mount ahead of the second round, the international community closely watches for any signs of political shifts in Iran. The US remains cautious about the potential outcomes, emphasizing the need for greater respect for human rights and dignity in the country.