By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Leaders across the world have congratulated the new President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, over his victory in the presidential election in which he polled 16.3m representing 53.7 percent of the 30 million ballots cast to defeat his closest rival Saeed Jalili, who got 44.3 percent, or 13.5m.
Heritage Times HT reports that election was due to hold in 2025, but was called early after the death of ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.
Masoud Pezeshkian, who has pledged to open Iran to the world, decisively won in a run-off and will become the country’s ninth elected leader.
On Saturday, Pezeshkian acknowledged “the difficult path ahead”, but extended a hand to all Iranians.
“I extend my hand towards you and swear on my honour that I will not leave you alone on this path. Don’t leave me alone.”
Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, was one of the first world leaders to congratulate the Iranian new President and said he hoped it would contribute to Russia-Iran relations.
“I hope that your tenure as president will contribute to a reinforcement of constructive bilateral cooperation between our friendly peoples,” Putin said.
Heritage Times (HT) recalls that before the election, Putin met with the interim Iranian President Mohammad Mokhber on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Russia and Iran have been negotiating a comprehensive bilateral cooperation agreement, according to Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and the crown prince congratulated Pezeshkian, state news agency SPA reported.
“I affirm my keenness on developing and deepening the relations between our countries and people and serve our mutual interests,” Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said.
In March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations in a China-brokered deal after years of tensions. They have since increased regular contact in an effort to bolster relations.
Leaders of Azerbaijan, Venezuela, India, China, Iraq, Pakistan, Kuwait, Syria, Qatar, Belarus and others have also joined the fray in congratulating the new Iranian leader.
