Iranian president sworn in with chants of ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel’
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
New Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (right) is sworn in by Iranian judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejeie, on July 30.
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
DUBAI - Iran's new president Masoud Pezeshkian was sworn in on July 30, after winning an election earlier in July by promising to improve ties with the world and ease restrictions on social freedoms at home.
"We will pursue constructive and effective interaction with the world based on dignity, wisdom, and expediency," Mr Pezeshkian, a relative moderate, told a parliamentary session attended by foreign dignitaries and broadcast live on state TV.
His victory has lifted hopes of a thaw in Iran's antagonistic relations with the West that might create openings for defusing its nuclear standoff with world powers.
But Mr Pezeshkian takes office at a time of escalating Middle East tensions over Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza and cross-border fighting with Iran's ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iran, which backs the groups which describe themselves as the "Axis of Resistance" to Israel and US influence in the Middle East, has accused the US of supporting what it calls Israeli crimes in Gaza.
"Those who supply weapons that kill children cannot teach Muslims about humanity," Mr Pezeshkian said, to chants of "Death to America," and "Death to Israel".
Leaders of Iran's Palestinian allies Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, as well as senior representatives of Yemen's Tehran-backed Houthi movement and Lebanon's Hezbollah, attended the ceremony.
Mr Pezeshkian, who is expected to name his Cabinet within two weeks, replaces hardline Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash
As the ultimate authority in Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has the final say in all state matters, including foreign and nuclear policy. He must also approve Mr Pezeshkian's selections for key Cabinet posts, such as the foreign, oil and intelligence ministers.
New Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (centre right) and leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas Ismael Haniyeh (centre left), embrace during the swearing-in ceremony in Tehran.
PHOTO: AFP
As well as mounting pressure from the West over Tehran's fast-advancing nuclear programme, Mr Pezeshkian faces the huge task of breaking Iran free of the crippling US sanctions, reimposed after Washington ditched Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with major powers.
Indirect talks between Tehran and Washington to salvage the nuclear accord with six major powers have stalled since 2022, with both sides accusing the other of unreasonable demands.
"My government will never succumb to bullying and pressure... Pressure and sanctions do not work... and the Iranian people should be spoken to with respect," said Mr Pezeshkian. REUTERS
