In a statement from Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he vowed "harsh punishment" for Israel after the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. This comes after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also vowed to make Israel "regret" the "cowardly" attack. The supreme leader and president both expressed their condemnation of the attack and promised revenge for the martyrdom of Haniyeh, calling him a "brave leader".
Reforming the traditional conservative landscape, Masoud Pezeshkian has won the Iranian Presidency, defeating conservative rival Saeed Jalili. While there is hope for internal changes, Pezeshkian faces limitations in foreign policy and possible pushback from the Supreme Leader. His election marks a shift towards a more progressive mindset in a country known for its traditional and conservative culture.
Low-profile candidate Masoud Pezeshkian emerges as Iran's new president, bringing hope to Iranians for less restrictions on social freedoms and a more pragmatic foreign policy. With his victory over hardline opponent Saeed Jalili, Pezeshkian is likely to be welcomed by world powers who hope he will ease tensions and revive the 2015 nuclear pact. While the president can't make major policy shifts on top state matters, Pezeshkian's promises for social liberalisation and political pluralism could bring much-needed change to Iran's Islamist orthodoxy.
Moderate candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has won Iran's presidential election in a runoff against hard-liner Saeed Jalili. Supporters took to the streets to celebrate as the results were announced, but Iran still faces challenges in navigating its relationship with the West, tensions in the Middle East, and a looming election in the United States. The low turnout in this election, the lowest in the history of the Islamic Republic, reflects the strain on the country's Shiite theocracy. However, officials have predicted a higher participation rate, with turnout ultimately at 49.6%.