Masoud Pezeshkian Sworn In as Iran’s President, Outlines Vision for National Unity and Regional Cooperation

Masoud Pezeshkian was officially inaugurated as Iran’s new president on Tuesday, taking the oath of office in a ceremony attended by senior political figures and foreign dignitaries at the parliament.

The swearing-in came on the heels of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s official endorsement last week. Pezeshkian’s presidency follows his victory in snap elections held on July 6, necessitated by the tragic death of his predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi, in a helicopter crash in May.

Following his oath, administered by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Pezeshkian outlined his key domestic and foreign policy goals in his speech. He highlighted the election and the new government’s formation as a “new opportunity” for Iran and the international community, calling his Cabinet a “government of national unity.”

Pezeshkian emphasized that the world should seize this “unique opportunity” to address regional and global issues with the involvement of a “powerful, peaceful, and dignified Iran.” He pledged that his administration would strive for “fair and sustainable progress and development” in Iran, aiming to enhance the country’s economic conditions and citizens’ quality of life.

He also committed to “firmly defending Iran’s interests and rights” internationally, while focusing on strengthening ties with neighboring countries, continuing the previous government’s approach. 

“My government seeks a strong region where all neighboring countries can cooperate for economic development, progress, and the betterment of future generations, a region where security is ensured by the presence of regional countries,” he stated, according to Anadolu Agency.

In the upcoming days, Pezeshkian will present his council of ministers to the conservative-dominated parliament for approval, a step seen by experts as his first major challenge. He has already appointed Mohammad Reza Aref, a veteran reformist politician, as his first vice president. Aref previously served in the same role from 2001 to 2005 under former president Mohammad Khatami.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei officially endorsed Masoud Pezeshkian as the country’s ninth president on July 28. During the endorsement ceremony, Pezeshkian emphasized his commitment to a “constructive and efficient” foreign policy, strengthening the rule of law, ensuring equal opportunities for citizens, supporting families, and protecting the environment.

The 69-year-old reformist lawmaker also reaffirmed his dedication to implementing the supreme leader’s general policies and achieving the objectives set by the seventh cultural, social, and economic development plan.

Khamenei called on the new administration to leverage Iran’s abundant natural and human resources to drive significant progress. He emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among the country’s various institutions, including the administration, judiciary, parliament, and armed forces. The supreme leader highlighted the urgency of resolving economic issues, increasing the national currency’s value, boosting domestic production, attracting investments, and improving the business environment. Khamenei also stressed the need for greater reliance on domestic capabilities while engaging in international interactions, cautioning against overly linking domestic problems with foreign issues.

On foreign policy, Khamenei advocated for strengthening ties with supportive states, improving relations with neighboring countries as well as Asian and African nations, and taking an active role in global and regional developments.

Meanwhile, after taking the oath, Pezeshkian has two weeks to assemble his cabinet. Once formed, his cabinet will undergo a vote of confidence in parliament.