Who Is The President Of Iran Now? Unpacking Masoud Pezeshkian's Rise

Aditya Considine 20 Jun 2025

The question of "who is the president of Iran now" has recently seen a significant shift, bringing a new face to the forefront of Iranian politics. Following an unexpected turn of events, Masoud Pezeshkian has officially assumed the highest popularly elected office in the Islamic Republic, marking a new chapter for the nation. His ascent to the presidency comes at a critical juncture, both domestically and internationally, promising a period of watchful anticipation for observers worldwide.

This article delves into the journey of Masoud Pezeshkian, exploring his background, the circumstances of his election, and the intricate political landscape he now navigates. We will examine the powerful role of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Iranian governance and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Iran under its new leadership. Understanding the dynamics of this transition is crucial for anyone seeking to comprehend the future trajectory of this pivotal Middle Eastern nation.

The Current Landscape: Who is the President of Iran Now?
- The Unexpected Transition: From Raisi to Pezeshkian
Masoud Pezeshkian: A Profile of Iran's Ninth President
- Personal Data and Background
The 2024 Presidential Election: A Decisive Victory
- The Runoff Against Saeed Jalili
Endorsement by the Supreme Leader: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's Role
Pezeshkian's Vision and Promises to Voters
The Supreme Leader's Enduring Influence on Iranian Policy
- Khamenei's Property Empire and Policy Control
Iran's Political System: Understanding the Presidency
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities for Iran
Conclusion

The Current Landscape: Who is the President of Iran Now?

As of July 28, 2024, the answer to "who is the president of Iran now" is Masoud Pezeshkian. He currently serves as the president of Iran, after being elected in the 2024 Iranian presidential election. His inauguration and official endorsement by the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, solidified his position as the nation's highest popularly elected official. This transition marks a significant moment, following a period of interim leadership after the tragic death of his predecessor.

The Unexpected Transition: From Raisi to Pezeshkian

The path to Pezeshkian's presidency was paved by an unforeseen tragedy. Former President Ebrahim Raisi, once seen as a likely successor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, died in office in May 2024 following a helicopter crash. This sudden death of a leader will shake any country, but the crash that killed President Ebrahim Raisi came at a particularly precarious moment for Iran and the Middle East as a whole. In the immediate aftermath, Mohammad Mokhber, Iran’s first vice president, stepped in as Iran’s interim president. Mokhber was the first person selected by former President Ebrahim Raisi after he took office, and he quickly led a cabinet meeting, managing the executive affairs of the Islamic Republic until new elections could be held. This swift transition underscored the resilience of Iran's political structure, even in the face of sudden leadership vacuums. The subsequent election then determined who is the president of Iran now, leading to Masoud Pezeshkian's victory.

Masoud Pezeshkian: A Profile of Iran's Ninth President

Masoud Pezeshkian, born on September 29, 1954, is an Iranian politician and a heart surgeon by profession. He is the ninth and current president of Iran since 2024. A member of the reformist faction, he brings a different perspective to the presidency compared to his hardline predecessors. At 69 years old when he took office, he is the oldest person to serve in this position. His background as a medical professional and his long-standing political career, including serving as a member of parliament and a former Minister of Health, provide him with a unique blend of practical experience and political acumen. His rise to power, especially given the conservative leanings of the Guardian Council which vets candidates, was seen by many as a surprising but welcome development for those seeking a more moderate direction for the country.

Personal Data and Background

To provide a clearer picture of who is the president of Iran now, here is a summary of Masoud Pezeshkian's key personal and professional data:

Full Name	Masoud Pezeshkian
Date of Birth	September 29, 1954
Age at Inauguration	69
Place of Birth	Mahabad, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran
Profession	Heart Surgeon, Politician
Political Affiliation	Reformist Faction
Previous Roles	Member of Parliament (Majlis) Minister of Health and Medical Education (2000-2005) First Vice Speaker of Parliament (2016-2020)
Current Position	Ninth President of Iran
Inauguration Date	July 28, 2024

The 2024 Presidential Election: A Decisive Victory

The 2024 Iranian presidential election was called following the death of President Raisi. The election process saw several candidates vying for the top office, but it ultimately came down to a runoff between Masoud Pezeshkian and the ultra-hardliner Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian, the relatively moderate of the two finalists, was declared the ninth president of Iran after securing 53.6 percent of the votes in the July 5 runoff. This victory was a clear mandate from the voters, demonstrating a desire for a different approach to governance.

The Runoff Against Saeed Jalili

The runoff election pitted Pezeshkian against Saeed Jalili, a prominent conservative figure who garnered 44.3 percent of the votes. Jalili's political history includes a hardline stance on foreign policy and negotiations, which had previously drawn criticism even from longtime conservatives. When Jalili previously ran for president in 2013, even former foreign minister Ali Akbar Velayati criticized him for his inflexibility. Pezeshkian's win against such a formidable hardline opponent signals a potential shift in public sentiment, favoring a more pragmatic and reform-oriented leadership. The significant margin of victory underscores the public's clear choice for who is the president of Iran now.

Endorsement by the Supreme Leader: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's Role

While the president of Iran is the highest popularly elected official in the country, the ultimate authority rests with the Supreme Leader. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Sunday officially endorsed Pezeshkian, urging him to prioritize neighbors, African and Asian nations, as well as countries that have “supported and helped” Iran in Tehran’s foreign relations policies. This endorsement is a crucial step in the transfer of power, as it legitimizes the newly elected president within the complex Iranian political system. The ceremony in parliament, which took place two days after the official endorsement, formally confirmed Masoud Pezeshkian as Iran’s ninth president, replacing Ebrahim Raisi. This formal endorsement highlights the dual nature of power in Iran, where popular mandate is necessary but supreme religious and political approval is paramount.

Pezeshkian's Vision and Promises to Voters

Masoud Pezeshkian's campaign focused on addressing domestic economic challenges, promoting social reforms, and engaging with the international community. Voters were keen to understand who is Iran's new president and what he has promised. As a reformist, he has signaled a willingness to tackle issues such as inflation, unemployment, and corruption, which have plagued the Iranian economy for years. He has also spoken about the need for greater social freedoms and a more inclusive society, appealing to a segment of the population weary of stringent social controls. In foreign policy, while adhering to the Supreme Leader's broader directives, Pezeshkian is expected to pursue a more pragmatic approach, potentially seeking to de-escalate tensions and improve relations with various nations, particularly those in Asia and Africa, as advised by Khamenei. His commitment to prioritizing relations with countries that have "supported and helped" Iran suggests a continuation of the "Look East" policy, but perhaps with a more nuanced diplomatic style.

The Supreme Leader's Enduring Influence on Iranian Policy

Understanding who is the president of Iran now requires acknowledging the overarching authority of the Supreme Leader. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei became Iran's Supreme Leader in 1989, and he now has the final say on all of Iran's domestic and foreign policy. This means that while the president manages the executive branch and implements policies, the fundamental direction and strategic decisions ultimately rest with Khamenei. His role extends beyond political leadership; he is also the spiritual guide for the nation. This unique structure ensures that the Islamic Republic's core principles and revolutionary ideals are maintained, regardless of who holds the presidential office. The Supreme Leader's influence permeates every aspect of Iranian life, from economic directives to military strategy.

Khamenei's Property Empire and Policy Control

Beyond his religious and political authority, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also oversees a vast economic network. A property empire built on seizures and various endowments contributes significantly to his financial power and influence. This economic leverage further solidifies his control over the country's affairs. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran's main organization for maintaining internal security, is now a major military, political, and economic force in the country, with more than 150,000 personnel. The IRGC operates under the direct command of the Supreme Leader, providing him with a powerful instrument for enforcing his will and safeguarding the revolution's principles. Both former President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel have raised the possibility of targeting Ayatollah Khamenei, who has led Iran for more than three decades, highlighting his central and indispensable role in the Iranian state structure.

Iran's Political System: Understanding the Presidency

The presidency in Iran, established in 1980, is a unique office within a complex political system. This is a list of the presidents of the Islamic Republic of Iran since the establishment of that office in 1980. The president of Iran is the highest popularly elected official in the country, responsible for implementing the constitution and leading the executive branch. However, their powers are not absolute. The Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority, and the Guardian Council, an unelected body, vets all candidates for the presidency and parliament, ensuring their adherence to Islamic and revolutionary principles. This dual structure means that while the president is the face of the government and manages day-to-day affairs, they operate within parameters set by the Supreme Leader and other unelected institutions. Masoud Pezeshkian, as the current president, must navigate this intricate balance of power, seeking to fulfill his campaign promises while respecting the established hierarchy.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities for Iran

With Masoud Pezeshkian now answering the question of "who is the president of Iran now," the nation faces a multitude of challenges and opportunities. Economically, Iran grapples with severe sanctions, high inflation, and unemployment. Pezeshkian's reformist leanings suggest a potential for more pragmatic economic policies, possibly aimed at alleviating the burden on ordinary citizens. Socially, there are widespread demands for greater freedoms and improved living conditions, which his administration will need to address carefully.

In foreign policy, the Supreme Leader's directive to prioritize relations with neighbors and "supported" nations indicates a continuation of Iran's regional strategy, potentially focusing on strengthening alliances within the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. However, the broader tensions with Western powers, particularly the United States, remain a significant challenge. Pezeshkian's presidency could offer an opportunity for renewed diplomatic engagement, though any significant shifts would require the Supreme Leader's approval. The sudden death of President Raisi has left the Islamic Republic’s hardline establishment facing an uncertain future, but Pezeshkian's election offers a glimmer of hope for a more moderate and stable path forward, both domestically and on the international stage. His ability to balance the expectations of his voters with the realities of Iran's political structure will define his tenure.

Conclusion

In summary, Masoud Pezeshkian currently serves as the president of Iran, having been elected in the 2024 presidential election and officially endorsed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His rise to power, following the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi and the interim leadership of Mohammad Mokhber, marks a new phase for Iran. As a reformist and the ninth person to hold this significant office, Pezeshkian faces the immense task of navigating complex domestic issues and challenging international relations, all while operating under the ultimate authority of the Supreme Leader.

The question of "who is the president of Iran now" is not merely about a name, but about the direction of a nation at a pivotal moment. Pezeshkian's promises of reform and his focus on economic stability and social improvements offer a potential shift from the hardline policies of the past. His presidency will be closely watched, both within Iran and globally, to see how he balances the will of the people with the established political and religious hierarchy. We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below on what you believe this new leadership means for Iran and the wider region. For more insights into global politics and leadership changes, explore other articles on our site.

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