Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, formally endorsed Masoud Pezeshkian as the country's president on Sunday, July 28.
As per Reuters, Pezeshkian, a moderate, won the recent election by promising a pragmatic foreign policy and easing domestic repression. He is set to be sworn in on Tuesday.
Pezeshkian takes office amid heightened Middle East tensions due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and the activities of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In a live broadcast ceremony, Khamenei gave his approval for Pezeshkian and reiterated Iran's anti-Israel stance, labeling Israel a "criminal gang" and praising Hamas for its resistance in Gaza.
Despite Pezeshkian's moderate stance, major policy decisions, especially regarding foreign affairs and military support to regional groups, remain under Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guards.
Pezeshkian's victory has raised hopes for improved relations with the West and potential progress on Iran's nuclear dispute.
Economic improvement is a key focus for Pezeshkian, particularly addressing U.S. sanctions reinstated after the U.S. exited the 2015 nuclear deal. Khamenei emphasised the need to prioritize economic issues in his remarks.
