Iran's New President Masoud Pezeshkian Vows Reforms and Global Diplomacy

Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, was sworn in, promising to improve international relations and ease domestic social restrictions. His presidency raises hopes for easing tensions with the West while handling regional Middle Eastern conflicts. He faces the challenge of lifting U.S. sanctions and reviving stalled nuclear talks.

Masoud Pezeshkian was officially sworn in as Iran's new president on Tuesday, following his election win earlier this month. He pledged to enhance international relations and relax restrictions on social freedoms, aiming for 'constructive and effective interaction with the world based on dignity, wisdom, and expediency.'

Pezeshkian's victory has sparked optimism about reducing Iran's hostile relations with the West, potentially easing the nuclear standoff with global powers. However, he assumes office amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including Israel's conflict with Hamas and cross-border skirmishes involving Iran's ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Iran, a supporter of groups opposing Israel and U.S. influence in the region, accuses the United States of aiding what it describes as Israeli crimes in Gaza. 'Those who supply weapons that kill children cannot teach Muslims about humanity,' Pezeshkian declared, amidst chants against America and Israel.

Key figures from Iran's allied factions, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Yemen's Houthis, and Lebanon's Hezbollah, attended the inauguration ceremony. Pezeshkian, who succeeds the late Ebrahim Raisi, is expected to announce his cabinet within two weeks, pending approval from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for key positions.

Facing Western pressure over Iran's advancing nuclear program, Pezeshkian's administration also aims to break free from crippling U.S. sanctions reinstated following the U.S.'s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. Indirect negotiations with Washington have stalled since 2022, with both sides blaming each other for making unreasonable demands.

'My government will never succumb to bullying and pressure,' Pezeshkian stated, emphasizing that sanctions and coercion are ineffective. 'The Iranian people should be spoken to with respect.'

(With inputs from agencies.)