Masoud Pezeshkian: Iran's New President And The Road Ahead In 2024

Axel Kris 18 Jun 2025

The unexpected shift in Iran's political landscape in 2024 has culminated in the election of a new leader, Masoud Pezeshkian, as the President of Iran. This significant development followed the tragic death of incumbent President Ebrahim Raisi, propelling the nation into early presidential elections and setting the stage for a new era of governance.

This article delves into the circumstances that led to these pivotal elections, introduces Masoud Pezeshkian, the ninth and current President of Iran, and explores his background, his reformist agenda, and the complex political machinery that underpins the selection of Iran's highest elected official. We will examine the electoral process, Pezeshkian's pledges, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Iran under his leadership.

The Unexpected Election of 2024: A Nation in Transition
Masoud Pezeshkian: A Profile of Iran's New Leader
- Biography and Background
- Personal Data
The Electoral Journey: From First Round to Runoff
Understanding Iran's Presidential Election System
Pezeshkian's Vision: Navigating Domestic and International Waters
- Domestic Reforms and Social Policy
- Foreign Policy and Sanctions Relief
The Endorsement and International Reactions
Challenges and Expectations for the New President of Iran 2024
Looking Ahead: The Future Under President Masoud Pezeshkian

The Unexpected Election of 2024: A Nation in Transition

The year 2024 brought an unforeseen turn in Iranian politics. The nation was plunged into a period of mourning and political uncertainty following the tragic death of incumbent President Ebrahim Raisi. On May 19, President Raisi, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several other officials, perished in a helicopter crash [2]. This devastating event necessitated an early presidential election, significantly altering the political calendar and setting the stage for a swift transition of power.

According to the Iranian constitution, in the event of a president's death, an interim council takes over and must organize new elections within 50 days. Consequently, early presidential elections were swiftly scheduled and held on June 28 and July 5, 2024 [1]. This accelerated timeline meant that candidates had a limited window to campaign and connect with the electorate, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already crucial political contest. The sudden vacancy at the top leadership position created a vacuum that needed to be filled promptly, making the election for the President of Iran 2024 one of the most critical in recent memory.

Masoud Pezeshkian: A Profile of Iran's New Leader

The individual who emerged from this rapid electoral process as the ninth President of Iran is Masoud Pezeshkian. His victory marks a significant moment for the country, bringing a reformist voice to the highest elected office. To understand the direction Iran might take under his leadership, it's essential to look at his background and personal journey.

Biography and Background

Masoud Pezeshkian [a] was born on September 29, 1954, making him 69 years old at the time he took office in 2024. This makes him the oldest person to serve in this esteemed position, a detail that adds a unique dimension to his presidency. Before entering the political arena, Pezeshkian built a distinguished career as a heart surgeon. This background in medicine often contrasts with the typical political profiles of Iranian leaders, suggesting a different perspective and approach to governance.

Politically, Pezeshkian is a prominent member of the reformist faction within Iran. This affiliation signals a potential shift in domestic and foreign policy, as reformists generally advocate for greater social freedoms, economic liberalization, and improved relations with the international community. His campaign was characterized by a relatively moderate stance, especially when compared to his hardline conservative rivals, positioning him as a figure who could potentially bridge divides within Iranian society and with the West.

Personal Data

Here is a summary of key personal data for Masoud Pezeshkian, the current President of Iran:

Full Name	Masoud Pezeshkian
Born	September 29, 1954
Age (at inauguration)	69 years old
Place of Birth	Mahabad, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran
Profession	Heart Surgeon, Politician
Political Faction	Reformist
President Since	2024 (Ninth President of Iran)
Notable Achievements	Oldest person to serve as President of Iran

The Electoral Journey: From First Round to Runoff

The early presidential elections in Iran were a two-stage affair, reflecting the competitive nature of the race. The first round of voting took place on June 28, 2024, featuring four primary candidates vying for the nation's top executive position. These candidates represented different political currents within the Islamic Republic, offering the electorate a range of choices.

In the initial round, Masoud Pezeshkian, the reformist candidate, secured 44% of the vote. His closest competitor was Saeed Jalili, a hardline conservative, who garnered 40%. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, another prominent conservative figure, received 14%, while Mostafa Pourmohammadi obtained less than 1% of the vote. Since no candidate achieved an outright majority (over 50%) in the first round, the election proceeded to a runoff between the top two vote-getters: Masoud Pezeshkian and Saeed Jalili.

The runoff election, held on July 5, 2024, was a direct contest between the relatively moderate Pezeshkian and the ultra-hardliner Jalili. The stakes were high, as the outcome would determine the ideological direction of the presidency. Ultimately, the vote was declared in Dr. Pezeshkian's favor after he secured a decisive victory. He garnered 53.3% of the votes (another source states 53.6%), while Saeed Jalili received 44.3%. This result, with Pezeshkian securing 16.3 million votes, confirmed him as Iran's new president, marking a significant win for the reformist movement.

Understanding Iran's Presidential Election System

The process of selecting the President of Iran is a unique blend of popular election and stringent vetting, reflecting the dual nature of the Islamic Republic's political structure. While the Iranian constitution states that the people elect the president through universal adult suffrage, the path to candidacy is meticulously controlled, ensuring that only individuals deemed loyal to the system can stand for office.

The critical gatekeeper in this process is the Council of Guardians. This deliberative body plays a supervisory role over elections, with a primary mandate to ensure that all electoral candidates and processes align with the ideals of the Islamic Republic. In practice, this often translates into a rigorous vetting process where potential candidates are scrutinized for their political allegiance, religious qualifications, and commitment to the principles espoused by the Supreme Leader. This effectively means making sure that the candidate is loyal to the Supreme Leader and his vision.

Only a citizen of Iran born in the country is eligible to run. This vetting process significantly narrows the field of candidates, often leading to a limited choice for voters, particularly in terms of ideological diversity. While the popular vote determines the ultimate winner, the Council of Guardians' power to approve or disqualify candidates means that the choices presented to the Iranian populace are pre-filtered to ensure they adhere to the established political and religious framework. This intricate system highlights the balance between democratic participation and the overarching authority of the Supreme Leader and the clerical establishment in Iran.

Pezeshkian's Vision: Navigating Domestic and International Waters

As the newly elected President of Iran 2024, Masoud Pezeshkian has articulated a vision that seeks to address both internal societal demands and external geopolitical pressures. His reformist background suggests a departure from some of the hardline policies of his predecessor, particularly concerning social freedoms and international engagement.

Domestic Reforms and Social Policy

One of the most anticipated aspects of Pezeshkian's presidency, particularly among younger generations and women, is his stance on social issues. As a reformist, he has publicly vowed to ease the country's stringent headscarf laws. This pledge is significant in a nation where mandatory hijab has been a contentious issue, leading to widespread protests in recent years. Should he succeed in implementing these reforms, it could represent a notable shift in social policy, potentially alleviating some of the domestic tensions and offering greater personal freedoms to citizens.

Beyond the headscarf laws, a reformist agenda typically encompasses a broader push for civil liberties, transparency, and economic reforms aimed at improving living standards for the general populace. While the scope of a president's power to enact such changes is often constrained by the Supreme Leader and other powerful institutions, Pezeshkian's reformist identity instills hope among segments of the population for a more open and responsive government.

Foreign Policy and Sanctions Relief

On the international front, Pezeshkian has made it clear that his administration will prioritize efforts to remove economic sanctions imposed by the West. These sanctions, primarily linked to Tehran’s controversial nuclear program, have severely impacted Iran’s economy, leading to inflation, unemployment, and a decline in living standards. His pledge to actively work towards their removal signals a desire for de-escalation and renewed engagement with global powers.

Furthermore, Pezeshkian has expressed an intent to "reach out to the West." This indicates a potential shift towards more diplomatic and less confrontational foreign relations, aiming to alleviate Iran's international isolation. While the ultimate decision-making power on major foreign policy issues, including the nuclear program, rests with the Supreme Leader, a president with a mandate to pursue diplomacy could open new avenues for negotiation and cooperation. The success of this approach will heavily depend on the willingness of Western nations to re-engage and the ability of Pezeshkian's administration to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The Endorsement and International Reactions

The election of the President of Iran is not merely a matter of popular vote; it culminates in a crucial endorsement ceremony that underscores the unique power structure of the Islamic Republic. Following his victory, Masoud Pezeshkian officially received the seal of approval from Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This significant event took place in Tehran on July 28, 2024, solidifying Pezeshkian's legitimacy as the nation's new leader [file, Handout by khamenei.ir/via afp] published on 30 Jul 2024.

The Supreme Leader's endorsement is a pivotal moment, symbolizing the transfer of authority and ensuring the new president's alignment with the fundamental principles of the Islamic Revolution. It is a public affirmation that the elected president operates within the framework defined by the Supreme Leader, who holds ultimate authority over all major state affairs. This ceremony is not just a formality but a powerful display of the hierarchical nature of Iranian governance, where the elected president functions under the guidance and approval of the unelected Supreme Leader.

Internationally, Pezeshkian's election was met with various reactions. Notably, Iran's eastern neighbor, Pakistan, extended its congratulations. Both the Prime Minister and the President of Pakistan sent messages of cooperation, signaling a desire for continued strong bilateral ties with the new Iranian administration. Such diplomatic gestures are customary and reflect the recognition of the new leadership on the global stage. Furthermore, President Masoud Pezeshkian quickly stepped onto the international stage, addressing the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday, September 2024 (AP Photo/Seth Wenig). This early engagement on a prominent global platform highlights his administration's intent to actively participate in international diplomacy and represent Iran's interests globally.

Challenges and Expectations for the New President of Iran 2024

Assuming the presidency in 2024, Masoud Pezeshkian steps into a role fraught with complex challenges and high expectations, both from within Iran and from the international community. His reformist platform, while offering hope to many, also presents inherent difficulties in a political system where ultimate power resides with the Supreme Leader and conservative institutions.

One of the most pressing challenges facing President Pezeshkian is the Iranian economy, which continues to reel under the weight of international sanctions. His pledge to work towards removing these sanctions is ambitious, requiring delicate diplomatic maneuvers and a willingness from Western powers to re-engage. The success or failure of this endeavor will directly impact the daily lives of millions of Iranians, influencing inflation rates, employment figures, and overall economic stability. Delivering on this promise will be crucial for his administration's legitimacy and public support.

Domestically, the expectation for social reforms, particularly the easing of headscarf laws, represents another significant hurdle. While popular among reform-minded citizens, such changes often face strong resistance from hardline elements and the clerical establishment. Navigating these internal divisions while maintaining stability and avoiding social unrest will require astute political skill. Pezeshkian will need to balance the demands of his supporters with the realities of Iran's deeply entrenched conservative forces.

Furthermore, the inherent tension between the elected president's executive authority and the Supreme Leader's overarching power means that Pezeshkian's ability to implement his vision will always be contingent on the approval and cooperation of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This dynamic often limits the scope of presidential action, especially on sensitive issues like foreign policy and fundamental social changes. The new President of Iran 2024 will need to master the art of negotiation and compromise to push his agenda forward while respecting the established power hierarchy.

Looking Ahead: The Future Under President Masoud Pezeshkian

As Masoud Pezeshkian settles into his role as the President of Iran, the nation and the world watch with keen interest. His election as a reformist in the wake of a hardline predecessor signals a potential shift, or at least a renewed attempt at a different approach, in Iran's domestic and international policies. The coming years under his leadership will undoubtedly be a period of significant observation and adaptation for the Islamic Republic.

The primary focus will remain on his ability to address the economic hardships faced by ordinary Iranians, largely exacerbated by sanctions. His commitment to engaging with the West to alleviate these pressures offers a glimmer of hope for a more open and prosperous future. However, the path to sanctions relief is fraught with complexities, requiring concessions and trust-building on all sides. The effectiveness of his foreign policy team will be paramount in navigating these intricate diplomatic waters.

Domestically, the expectations for social change, particularly regarding personal freedoms and the implementation of more lenient headscarf laws, are high. Pezeshkian's reformist credentials will be tested as he attempts to balance these societal demands with the deeply ingrained conservative values of the Iranian establishment. His success in fostering greater national unity and addressing internal grievances will be a defining aspect of his presidency.

Ultimately, the tenure of the President of Iran 2024, Masoud Pezeshkian, will be a testament to the resilience of Iran's political system and its capacity for adaptation. His ability to bridge the gap between reformist aspirations and the realities of the Islamic Republic's governance structure will determine his legacy. The world will be watching closely to see how this heart surgeon turned president steers Iran through its current challenges and towards its future.

What are your thoughts on Masoud Pezeshkian's presidency and the future of Iran? Share your insights in the comments below, or explore other articles on our site for more in-depth analyses of global political developments.

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