(THE DESK NEWS) DUBAI (Reuters) – Masoud Pezeshkian, a relative moderate, was formally endorsed as Iran’s president by the supreme leader on Sunday. Pezeshkian, who won the election by promising a pragmatic foreign policy and domestic reforms, will be inaugurated on Tuesday. His presidency comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East due to conflicts involving Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
Iran issued a warning to Israel on Sunday, cautioning against any new actions in Lebanon following a rocket attack blamed on Hezbollah. The supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reiterated Iran’s anti-Israel stance during the endorsement ceremony, labeling Israel as a criminal entity and praising Hamas for its resistance in Gaza.
Despite Pezeshkian’s victory raising hopes for improved relations with the West and potential progress in the nuclear dispute, Khamenei retains ultimate authority over state matters. The president is not expected to bring significant changes to Iran’s policies, as the Revolutionary Guards, under Khamenei’s command, hold sway over regional affairs. Khamenei will have the final say on key cabinet appointments, including foreign, oil, and intelligence ministers.
