Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian received the official endorsement from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking a historic moment in the country’s political landscape. Khamenei praised Pezeshkian as a wise, honest, popular, and scholarly leader, appointing him as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The endorsement ceremony, attended by top officials and foreign diplomats, was broadcast nationwide while banks and most government offices were closed due to extreme heat.
Acting President Mokhber passed on official responsibilities to Pezeshkian, who then named Mohammad Reza Aref as his first vice president. Aref, a seasoned politician, previously served as the first vice president and communications minister under Iran’s last reformist president. Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon turned parliament member, clinched victory in a closely watched runoff election against an ultraconservative rival, securing a majority of votes from the electorate.
In his acceptance speech, Pezeshkian vowed to carry the weight of the presidency and address regional tensions, economic challenges, and diplomatic relations with neighboring countries. With a focus on reviving the nuclear deal and fostering constructive ties with European nations, Pezeshkian aims to navigate Iran through a critical period of global politics and domestic reform.