MASOUD Pezeshkian, a politician and surgeon, has just been elected President of Iran. Widely known in Iran, Pezeshkian brings extensive experience in medicine and politics that make him a key figure in the government. Pezeshkian will replace President Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024 along with seven others.
Masaoud Pezeshkian was elected president of Iran, he defeated his rival Saeed Jalili by pocketing 53.6 percent of the vote in the second round on July 6, 2024, while his rival Saeed Jaili pocketed 44.3 percent of the vote. So who is Masaoud Pezeshkian? Here is the profile of the elected president of Iran Masaoud Pezeshkian.
Masaoud Pezeshkian’s profile
Masaoud Pezeshkian is a 69-year-old heart surgeon born on September 29, 1954, in Mahabad in northwestern Iran. He serves as the Head of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Pezeshkian entered politics for the first time as deputy health minister in 1997 following which he was appointed as health minister four years later under the leadership of President Mohammad Khatami.
Masaoud Pezeshkian’s campaign is backed by Iran’s reformist coalition, garnering support from senior politicians and former reformist ministers, including Javad Zarif, Iran’s former foreign minister under Hassan Rouhani. As a reformer in Iran’s conservative-dominated political scene, Pezeshkian is expected to bring regarding major changes in the economy and culture.
In the five televised presidential debates, Pezeshkian signaled that he would be more open to domestic and diplomatic relations with the international community, especially the West. He also vowed to carry out comprehensive reforms, facing major challenges, especially in dealing with the impact of international sanctions that have long affected Iran’s economy.
Masaoud Pezeshkian is also vocal in issues concerning women, such as the obligation to wear the hijab and expressed his opposition to the parliamentary draft law on the application of Islamic dress laws or regulations.
With the election of Masaoud Pezeshkian as president of Iran, he is expected to face the existing challenges and realize his progressive vision for Iran. The Iranian people are now looking forward to his leadership with new hope and optimism. (Z-7)
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