Iran’s reformist politician Masoud Pezeshkian was sworn in as the ninth president of the Islamic Republic at a ceremony attended by foreign dignitaries on Tuesday.
“I, as the president, in front of the Holy Koran and the people of Iran, swear to almighty God to be the guardian of the official religion and the Islamic Republic system and the constitution of the country,” Pezeshkian said in the ceremony broadcast live on state TV.
It was on Sunday that after his election victory earlier this month, Pezeshkian, who campaigned on a platform of improving global relations and easing domestic social restrictions, was officially endorsed by the country’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Addressing the parliament, following the oath ceremony, the 69-year-old said, “We will pursue constructive and effective interaction with the world based on dignity, wisdom, and expediency.” His inauguration has raised hopes for a potential thaw in Iran’s strained relations with the West, which could help alleviate the ongoing nuclear standoff with world powers.
However, Pezeshkian assumes office amid rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza and cross-border skirmishes involving Iran’s ally Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran, which supports groups that view themselves as the “Axis of Resistance” against Israeli and US influence in the region, has accused the United States of backing what it deems Israeli crimes in Gaza.
“Those who supply weapons that kill children cannot teach Muslims about humanity,” Pezeshkian said, amidst chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”.
The event was attended by senior officials from various countries, including Armenia, Tajikistan, Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Cuba, and Brazil. European Union envoy Enrique Mora was also present.
Leaders from Iran’s Palestinian allies Hamas and Islamic Jihad, as well as senior representatives from Yemen’s Tehran-backed Houthi movement and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, were also present at the ceremony.
“My government will never succumb to bullying and pressure … Pressure and sanctions do not work … and the Iranian people should be spoken to with respect,” Pezeshkian stated.
Pezeshkian, who is expected to announce his cabinet within two weeks, succeeds hardline Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May. As the ultimate authority in Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei retains final say on all state matters, including foreign and nuclear policy, and must approve Pezeshkian’s cabinet appointments, including for the foreign, oil, and intelligence ministers.
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