Khamenei Endorses Masoud Pezeshkian as President

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei officially endorsed Masoud Pezeshkian as the new president during a ceremony on July 28, 2024. Pezeshkian, who campaigned on a platform of pragmatic foreign policy and domestic reform, will assume office amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Khamenei reaffirmed Iran's anti-Israel stance, labeling it a 'criminal gang', and warned Israel against further aggression in Lebanon following recent attacks attributed to Hezbollah. Despite hopes for improved relations with the West under Pezeshkian, Khamenei's dominance over key state matters suggests continuity in Iran's foreign policies. In his inaugural address, Pezeshkian emphasized a commitment to constructive foreign relations while addressing domestic challenges exacerbated by sanctions. His presidency represents a potential shift towards moderation, but the ultimate direction remains under Khamenei's influence and the Revolutionary Guards' control.