Reformist Dr Masoud Pezeshkian (69) became the new President of Iran, defeating hard-liner Saeed Jalili in the snap Presidential Elections on July 5, 2024. His supporters took to the streets of Tehran and several other Iranian cities to cheer even before the final results were announced! Interestingly, most of them were young people. A number of video clips related to their celebrations went viral on social media.
Dr Pezeshkian, a surgeon by profession, is known as a reformist in Iranian politics. He has always listened to others' views and opinions on any issue. His predecessor Ebrahim Raisolsadati (better known as Ebrahim Raisi; December 14, 1960 - May 19, 2024) did not believe in making friendships with the US and its Western allies. However, Dr Pezeshkian's policy is different as he wants to maintain cordial ties with all the major global powers.
The Anti-Hijab Movement rocked the Islamic Republic in 2022-23 (during Raisi's Presidency). The decision of the Raisi Administration to make wearing a hijab (head coverings conventionally worn by many Muslim women) mandatory for the Iranian women led to anti-government protests as the young generation roared against Raisi's policy of Moral-Policing. As expected, the former President suppressed the protests by hanging many! At least 500 protesters reportedly died during the Anti-Hijab Movement. Although the movement subsided later, the Iranians were not at all happy with Raisi's hard-line policies. Hence, many, in Iran, celebrated President Raisi's death in a helicopter accident on May 19, 2024 by bursting fire crackers!
Dr Pezeshkian stressed on the hijab issue during his election campaign to garner mass support. He not only criticised the notorious hijab policy of his predecessor, but also pledged to end Iran's policy of isolation from the world while pledging unity and solidarity during the campaign. His assurance to ease the hijab rule made Dr Pezeshkian popular among the young generation. However, the reformist leader made it clear during his campaign that there would be no radical changes in Iran's Shiite theocracy and that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would have the final say on all important matters.
Political analysts believe that Dr Pezeshkian would try to normalise ties with the US in the coming months. The newly-elected President would also have a special focus on bringing foreign investments to Iran. He has already called for constructive talks with Western powers to revive the 2015 Iranian Nuclear Deal (JCPOA). Earlier, Tehran had agreed to halt its nuclear programme in exchange for easing Western sanctions. A section of Iranian diplomats is of the opinion that Dr Pezeshkian could face a strong opposition from the hard-line politicians, who might oppose the President's decision to normalise ties with the West!
Former President Raisi maintained cordial ties with India. According to experts, although Dr Pezeshkian has differences with Raisi in terms of foreign policy, the new President would not spoil India-Iran relations. Instead, he would strengthen bilateral ties. Dr Pezeshkian's regime is expected to focus more on the strategic (Iranian) port of Chabahar. India has already invested heavily in this particular project. The Narendra Modi Government in New Delhi has also promised to invest in other major projects in Iran.
Experts are of the opinion that President Dr Pezeshkian would maintain friendly ties with India in the coming years.
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