Masoud Pezeshkian Becomes Iran’s Ninth Elected President with Decisive Victory
Moderate Candidate Wins with 53.7% of the Vote Amid Hopes for Strengthened International Relations
Tehran, July 7, 2024 — Masoud Pezeshkian, the sole moderate candidate in the race, decisively won the presidential run-off election, becoming Iran‘s ninth elected president. Pezeshkian secured 53.7 percent of the votes, translating to 16.3 million of the more than 30 million ballots cast. His rival, Saeed Jalili, garnered 44.3 percent, or 13.5 million votes.
In his victory speech on Saturday, Pezeshkian acknowledged the challenges ahead but extended a hand to all Iranians. “I extend my hand towards you and swear on my honour that I will not leave you alone on this path. Don’t leave me alone,” he said.
World leaders quickly extended their congratulations to Pezeshkian, signaling hopes for strengthened international relations and cooperation.
Russia President Vladimir Putin congratulated Pezeshkian, expressing hope for reinforced bilateral cooperation. “I hope that your tenure as president will contribute to a reinforcement of constructive bilateral cooperation between our friendly peoples,” Putin stated. Prior to the election, Putin met with interim Iranian President Mohammad Mokhber at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. Russia and Iran are negotiating a comprehensive bilateral cooperation agreement, as reported by Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Saudi Arabia King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Pezeshkian. The Crown Prince emphasized his commitment to deepening relations. “I affirm my keenness on developing and deepening the relations between our countries and people and serve our mutual interests,” he said. In March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia re-established diplomatic relations in a China-brokered deal after years of tension, and have since increased regular contact.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev welcomed Pezeshkian’s success, highlighting the importance of Iran-Azerbaijan relations. “I am confident that through our joint efforts, we will ensure further strengthening of the traditional friendly relations and the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran in line with the interests of our peoples and countries,” Aliyev said, inviting Pezeshkian to visit.
China President Xi Jinping conveyed his congratulations, emphasizing the long-standing China-Iran relationship. “I attach great importance to the development of China-Iran relations and am willing to work with the President to lead the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership towards deeper advancement,” Xi stated. He highlighted the countries’ mutual support and strategic mutual trust amidst complex regional and international situations.
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his eagerness to work closely with Pezeshkian. “I look forward to working closely to further strengthen our warm and long-standing bilateral relationship for the benefit of our peoples and the region,” Modi stated.
Other International Responses Leaders from Iraq, Pakistan, Kuwait, Syria, Qatar, Belarus, the UAE, and Venezuela also extended their congratulations, expressing hopes for strengthened relations and cooperation. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil lauded Iran’s commitment to democracy and pledged Venezuela’s support for expanding bilateral relations.
Pezeshkian’s election, held early due to the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, marks a significant moment for Iran as it navigates domestic and international challenges. The global response to his victory underscores the geopolitical significance of Iran’s leadership and the potential for new diplomatic and economic opportunities.
