Pezeshkian leads in the opening round

After the first round of the presidential election, the moderate Masud Pezeshkian is in the lead and a run-off election will be held next Friday to determine the final outcome. Despite this, Iran’s fundamental direction is unlikely to change significantly.

In the initial round of the Iranian presidential election, Masud Pezeshkian emerged as the leading candidate with 44 percent of the vote, surpassing his closest rival, Said Jalili, an arch-conservative hawk. Since neither candidate achieved an absolute majority, a second round of voting is scheduled for next Friday. Several conservative candidates vied for the role, with Pezeshkian being the only moderate among them.

The candidate selection process was heavily restricted by the conservative Guardian Council, leading to low voter turnout of just 40 percent. Pezeshkian, known for his moderate stance compared to Jalili, has support from pragmatists like former foreign minister Mohammed Javad Zarif. While he emphasizes a more relaxed approach to issues like clothing regulations and improving relations with the West, he remains loyal to revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

If Pezeshkian wins in the run-off election, his influence may still be limited by the prevailing power structures in Iran. The current economic crisis and geopolitical tensions with the West pose significant challenges for the country. A more moderate president could potentially ease tensions and offer a different voice on the international stage. Ayatollah Khamenei and his inner circle may see value in having a moderate leader during this volatile time.

Overall, the outcome of the election could have implications for Iran’s domestic policy and its role in regional and international affairs. The decision in the run-off election will be closely watched by both Iranians and observers around the world.