From Doctor to President: The Inspiring Journey of Masoud Pezeshkian
Masoud Pezeshkian is a reformist who ran for Iran’s parliament. Now, Pezeshkian is set to become Iran’s first reformist president in 20 years after winning against hardliner Saeed Jalili. The 69-year-old heart surgeon-turned-politician won with promises to change Iran’s domestic and foreign policies, rejuvenating the reformist movement.
Pezeshkian’s victory marks a surprising moment in Iran’s presidential history. Pezeshkian is a new hope for the middle eastern nation for social and economic reforms and to reduce the influence of ideological conservatives.
The path is challenging for the new President of Iran. The economy is heavily sanctioned a disillusioned population, and a political system where much of the power lies with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guard.
During his campaign, Pezeshkian promised to negotiate with the US and European countries to resolve Iran’s nuclear issues and secure sanctions relief. He also pledged to ease social restrictions like online censorship and the strict hijab for women. He argued against the harassment of women for not covering their heads.
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Pezeshkian also emphasized his loyalty to Khamenei, after his win, he thanked Khamenei in his victory speech acknowledging that his candidacy was likely approved due to Khamenei’s intervention.
During election campaigns, Pezeshkian highlighted the tragedies of his life including the loss of his wife and a son in a car accident three decades ago, which left him to raise his other children alone.
He said, “As I was loyal to my family, I will be loyal to you.”
Reformists believe Pezeshkian’s government will be different it will reduce factional infighting. It a new era for Iran. Diplomats are optimistic.
The new government will face challenges as Iran’s condition is not hidden, war with Israel, US and European contradictions are points of concern. Social barriers, internal issues like women’s freedom are topics that should be removed as soon as possible, we are keeping an eye on the new president of Iran, how will they deal with the situation? How they will get Iran out of this bad situation remains to be seen.