Pezeshkian to focus Makran coast development

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced a major initiative to develop Iran's Makran coast, stating that necessary coordination has been made to employ top international consultants to prepare a comprehensive plan and roadmap for the development of the Makran region.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Pezeshkian emphasized the need to catch up with neighboring countries in exploiting the Makran coast's potential, aiming to "achieve a superior position in the region in line with the goals of the 20-Year Vision Document." 

He highlighted the lack of a previous overarching plan, noting, “We have not had a comprehensive and all-encompassing plan as a roadmap for the development of Makran, and various bodies have taken actions based on their missions and responsibilities in this regard.” 

Pezeshkian described the Makran coast as “the most important foundation for sustainable and long-term development in Iran,” asserting that the country's future is inextricably linked to its development. 

The new plan, he explained, will follow thorough studies and assessments to define the responsibilities of administrative bodies and ensure coordinated action.

The strategic importance of the Makran coast, located on the Oman Sea, has been underscored by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Al Khamenei, prompting significant attention from Iranian decision-makers and military officials.

The Makran coast provides Iran with access to vital shipping lanes and crucial maritime trade routes connecting the Indian Ocean to the Persian Gulf.

 

Pezeshkian slams intervention in West Asia

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian underscored the vital need for regional cooperation to establish security in West Asia, asserting that foreign interference is unwarranted.

During a joint session of the government and parliament on Sunday, President Pezeshkian conveyed Iran's peaceful intentions, emphasizing that the nation is not looking for conflict or violence. 

He chastised the Western countries for their double standards, which hypocritically claim to champion human rights and peace, pointing out that they are the true instigators of war and violence.

Addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Pezeshkian expressed his horror at the actions of the Israeli regime. 

"For me, as a human being, regardless of my position, it is unimaginable that a regime would allow itself to drop multi-ton bombs on women, children, and defenseless civilians in hospitals and schools," the Iranian president stated.

He expressed sorrow over the deaths of more than ten thousand children in the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, condemning the passive response of those claiming to defend human rights. 

Pezeshkian denounced the role of the United States and European nations in the tragic events in Gaza and Lebanon, calling it shameful that these powers provide support and arms for such actions. 

Iranian President clarified that Iran harbors no intentions of territorial expansion against its neighbors. 

He noted Iran's efforts to resolve misunderstandings in bilateral relations, asserting that the situation in the region has improved. 

He emphasized regional unity against Israeli aggression, stating, "This is the first time all countries in the region have come together to condemn Israel's actions against Iran, and I commend our neighbors for this rightful stance," referring to the Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory on October 26, 2024.

 

Iran appoints female government spokesperson

President Masoud Pezeshkian has appointed Fatemeh Mohajerani as the new spokesperson for the Iranian government on Wednesday. The appointment marks a historic first, as Mohajerani becomes the first woman to hold this position in Iran.

Mohajerani, born in 1970 in Arak, holds a Doctorate of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh Campus. She served as the head of the Technical and Vocational Training University of Shariati (special for females) in Hassan Rouhani’s government. Mohajerani was also elected as the head of the Center for Brilliant Talents in 2017. 

In addition to this appointment, the cabinet meeting also saw the appointment of Elias Hazrati, a former member of the Iranian Parliament, as Chairman of the Government's Information Council. 

 

Global leaders congratulate Abbas Araqchi

Several prominent international figures, including the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, as well as the foreign ministers of Germany and Iraq, have extended their congratulations to Abbas Araqchi on his appointment as Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Araqchi, known for his previous role as a nuclear negotiator, was appointed by President Masoud Pezeshkian and successfully secured a vote of confidence from the Iranian parliament, receiving 247 out of 288 votes.

In a phone call on Thursday, Borrell conveyed his congratulations to Araqchi, expressing optimism that political discussions and consultations between Iran and the European Union would not only continue but also expand under Iran's new government. 

The two officials also discussed ongoing negotiations aimed at lifting international sanctions against Iran and addressed recent developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly the situation in Gaza.

Araqchi announced Iran's willingness to manage tensions with the United States and restore relations with European nations, contingent upon these countries ceasing what he described as hostile actions against the Islamic Republic. 

He emphasized that a key priority for the new administration would be the removal of sanctions, which would help normalize Iran's trade relations globally. 

Araqchi reiterated that reviving the 2015 nuclear deal remains a central objective, provided that Western nations show a willingness to engage constructively.

The signing of the 2015 nuclear agreement, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with six world powers showcased Iran's commitment to demonstrating the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. However, the unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA in May 2018 and the subsequent re-imposition of sanctions against Tehran have cast uncertainty over the future of the agreement.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also congratulated Araqchi, expressing hope that Germany and Iran could deepen their bilateral relations by overcoming existing challenges. 

During their conversation, Araqchi stressed the importance of mutual respect and focusing on common interests to strengthen ties between the two nations. 

The two diplomats also exchanged views on regional and international issues, emphasizing their shared commitment to resolving current problems through dialogue.

In another diplomatic outreach, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom David Lammy extended his congratulations to Araqchi on his recent appointment as Iran’s foreign minister. 

During a phone call, Lammy expressed that the formation of Iran’s 14th government presents a fresh opportunity to enhance diplomatic consultations between the United Kingdom and the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

Lammy also addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, urging Iran to play a constructive role in de-escalating tensions in the region. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomatic efforts in achieving stability, highlighting the potential for cooperation in easing the humanitarian crisis.

Responding to his British counterpart, Araqchi acknowledged the ups and downs in bilateral relations over the years. He reiterated that while Iran does not seek to widen the conflict or increase tensions, it will not relinquish its right to respond to the "criminal and terrorist actions" of the Zionist regime.

The conversation between the two ministers also covered other areas of mutual interest, including the ongoing negotiations concerning the lifting of sanctions on Iran. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue these diplomatic consultations, signaling a desire for constructive engagement moving forward.

Franch Foreign Minister, Stéphane Séjourné, also reached out to Araqchi in a separate phone call to offer his congratulations. 

Séjourné conveyed France’s readiness to continue diplomatic consultations with Iran, focusing on both bilateral relations and broader regional and international issues. 

He highlighted the ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, stressing the need for dialogue with all involved parties to reduce tensions and achieve lasting peace.

Araqchi expressed appreciation for the French foreign minister’s congratulations and emphasized the longstanding historical relationship between Iran and France. He reiterated Tehran’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to expand cooperation between the two nations.

He urged France and other Western countries to focus on holding the Zionist regime accountable for these actions to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

The phone call between Araqchi and Séjourné also included discussions on other topics of mutual interest, such as consular issues, with both ministers agreeing on the importance of continued dialogue to address these concerns.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Mohammed Hussein was among the other leaders who reached out to congratulate Araqchi. 

He expressed hope that Iran and Iraq would continue their close cooperation on bilateral, regional, and international issues. 

Hussein also conveyed an invitation from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani to President Pezeshkian to visit Iraq. 

Araqchi, in turn, highlighted the new Iranian government's commitment to deepening relations with its neighboring countries, particularly Iraq.

Araqchi received congratulations from Ararat Mirzoyan, the Armenian Foreign Minister, who expressed his country’s commitment to expanding relations with Iran. 

The two officials discussed issues related to the agenda of bilateral relations between Armenia and Iran, emphasizing the readiness of both sides to make continuous efforts towards further strengthening of friendly ties and strong partnership in areas of mutual interest. Reference was made to upcoming programs.

They also discussed the importance of supporting Armenia’s territorial integrity and the ongoing regional developments. 

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib offered his congratulations, expressing hope for continued cooperation between Iran and Lebanon, especially in resisting Israeli aggression.

In response, Iranian foreign minister thanked Bou Habib for his congratulations and emphasized his desire for fruitful collaboration to advance the interests of both the Lebanese and Iranian people, as well as the broader region. 

Araqchi confirmed his intention to visit Lebanon soon and expressed eagerness to host the Lebanese Foreign Minister in Tehran at the earliest opportunity.

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad joined in the congratulations, reaffirming Syria's dedication to strengthening strategic relations with Iran. 

Both Araqchi and Mekdad emphasized the importance of ongoing consultations and coordination between their countries in the face of regional challenges, particularly regarding Israeli actions in the region.

These diplomatic engagements highlight the broad international response to Araqchi’s appointment, reflecting both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for Iran's foreign policy under his leadership.

 

Iran: Pezeshkian Cabinet as Viewed by West

We are pleased to share with readers an article written by Haleh Esfandiari and released by Wilson Center. The Center says the views represented in this piece are those of the author and do not express the official position of the Wilson Center. 

Following is the text of the article

Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian finally selected a cabinet that has disappointed voters and led to Javad Zarif’s resignation. Zarif criticized the lack of young and diverse representation, casting doubt on the future of Pezeshkian’s reformist agenda.

Pezeshkian submitted to parliament the names of his 19 cabinet members on Sunday, August 11, 2024. The list proved a disappointment for many who had voted for him and also to his principal advisor, Javad Zarif.

Observers surmise that Pezeshkian had succumbed to the preferences of the Supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, commanders of the IRGC, and the conservative wing in parliament.

Zarif's resignation

Pezeshkian had appointed Zarif as his vice president for strategy, suggesting he would play the principal role in shaping Pezeshkian’s program. Yet Zarif stepped down just 24 hours after Pezeshkian announced his new cabinet. As the reformist newspaper Etemad wrote, the news of the resignation of Zarif exploded like a bomb.

This unexpected and intriguing, perhaps significant turn of events requires explanation.

Zarif is a former foreign minister and lead negotiator of the now-inoperative JCPOA nuclear agreement with the United States and the European powers. During the campaign, he was always at Pezeshkian’s side and served as his special adviser. Zarif, with his reputation as a moderate who favors better relations with the US and the Europeans, remains popular with moderate voters and reformists in the country. He almost certainly helped win votes for Pezeshkian, who was not a familiar figure among voters.

Once elected, Pezeshkian appointed Zarif, the head of a special advisory council, to suggest to the president potential cabinet appointees. The council, after vetting a number of possible candidates, presented its recommendations to the president-elect. But when Pezeshkian announced his choices for cabinet offices, only a limited number were from the list Zarif’s council had recommended.

Hence Zarif’s resignation. His role as vice president had lasted only 11 days.

On Instagram, Zarif explained his resignation in terms of the constellation of the new cabinet. He objected to seven members of the new cabinet. The cabinet, he wrote, did not include more members of Iran’s new, younger generation; it did not include, as he had hoped and the council had recommended, women and representatives of minority communities. He was “ashamed,” he wrote, that he had not adequately succeeded in the task he had set for himself.

In a later conciliatory comment, Zarif said he had the greatest affection for President Pezeshkian but felt that his presence would have been a liability for the new president. 

Pezeshkian, responding to his critics and the disappointment among the voters, said only that they should wait to see how his cabinet performs in practice.

The Cabinet

During the campaign, Pezeshkian said he hoped to see better relations with the US and European countries and to see sanctions lifted as a means to improve the economy. That raised hopes he would appoint a moderate cabinet inclined to reforms. The cabinet has turned out to be a mixed bag.

Abbas Araghchi, his nominee as foreign minister, is a foreign ministry careerist and is seen as a moderate. He served as Iran’s ambassador to Japan and Finland and deputy foreign minister. He was also Zarif’s close ally as deputy chief negotiator in the JCPOA negotiations. If confirmed by parliament, Araghchi will bring experience to the conduct of foreign policy, a field in which Pezeshkian has none. 

There is one woman in the cabinet: Farzaneh Sadegh, an engineer nominated to be Minister of Roads and Urban Development. If confirmed, she will be the second woman in the history of the Islamic Republic to serve as a minister. The first woman was Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi, appointed by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as minister of health. 

In two other key positions (which are both also subject to the Supreme Leader’s approval), the president has named Esmail Khatib, a cleric, to continue as the Minister of Intelligence. Khatib has close connections to the intelligence community and is associated with the suppression of dissent and the widespread arrest of journalists, intellectuals, and political critics. He is a man trusted by the Supreme Leader and was earlier head of his personal protection organization in Qum.

The Interior Minister will be Eskandar Momeni, the deputy chief of police in the outgoing cabinet. Momeni was deputy chief of police under President Raissi. The new president has also kept Mohammad Eslami as chief of Iran’s civilian nuclear program—a post whose holder, we can assume, is determined by the Supreme Leader. Eslami was sanctioned by the UN in 2008 for being engaged in sensitive nuclear activities for the development of nuclear weapons delivery systems when he was head of a defense industry research institute. But during the campaign, he said he would work to revive the JCPOA.

Challenges ahead

Pezeshkian may not have had a free hand in selecting the key members of his cabinet. But the problems he faces are numerous and will require intelligence and political savvy. Will he be able to reign in the police in their harassment of women who don’t observe the hijab?

Can he persuade the security agencies (and the Supreme Leader) to allow the people more freedom?

He inherits an economy where inflation is soaring, incomes for many are inadequate to make ends meet, and widespread discontent prevails. 

Will he be able to make good on his campaign promise to reach out to the West, to ease sanctions, and improve economic conditions?

The Gaza war, in which Iran’s proxies—Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and proxies in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon—are involved and the stand-off with Israel and the US after the assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh presents the new president with a thicket of problems. It remains to be seen whether he has the skills to address them.

 

 

 

 

Pezeshkian appoints Javad Zarif his deputy

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has appointed Mohammad Javad Zarif as his deputy for strategic and the chief of the Presidential Center for Strategic Studies.

Zarif, 64, was foreign minister from 2013 to 2021 under President Hassan Rouhani. He was Iran’s chief negotiator in the nuclear talks that led to the 2015 nuclear deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The agreement, endorsed by the UN Security Council Resolution 2231, was ditched by former President Donald Trump as he withdrew the United States., the main party to the agreement, from the deal

Zarif also served as Iran’s representative at the United Nations during the presidency of Mohammad Khatami.

Pezeshkian, who took oath office in the Parliament on Tuesday, also chose Mohammad Jafar Qaem Panah as his deputy for executive affairs and chief of the presidential chief of staff.

An optometrist, Qaem Panah had worked with Pezeshkian when he was the chancellor of Tabriz University and health minister in the Khatami government.

 

Pezeshkian emphasizes unity

In a recent interview with the media outlet of the office of the Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian underscored the importance of adhering to the Leader’s general policies as a crucial factor in resolving disputes and fostering national unity.

“We have the general policies of the Leader, which I have consistently referred to as our guiding light throughout the debates and elections,” Pezeshkian stated.

“These policies clearly define our goals.”

He further explained that it is now the responsibility of experts, wise individuals, managers, and officials to develop comprehensive programs in alignment with these policies.

“If we accept these principles and draft laws that conform to the system's policies, and hold ourselves accountable for their implementation, disputes and conflicts will naturally become meaningless,” Pezeshkian added.

During his detailed conversation with KHAMENEI.IR, Pezeshkian delved into his administration’s strategy for engaging with various sectors of the country.

He also discussed the criteria for selecting cabinet members and outlined the overarching policies and approaches that will guide his government over the next four years.

Pezeshkian turned his attention to cultural issues, advocating for self-improvement as the primary solution.

“Regarding cultural matters, we must first correct ourselves,” he emphasized. “There is no need to criticize others; we should begin by criticizing ourselves.”

Pezeshkian elaborated that personal integrity and genuine concern for the public are essential. “If I am a righteous person with good morals, if I truly care for the people and they recognize my sincerity, there is no way they will dislike me or refuse to follow my behavior and ethics,” he said.

He criticized the current conduct of some leaders, noting that their actions often repel the public. “Our behavior and conduct are such that when people observe them, they find them off-putting. Why should they emulate us? Why should they make themselves like us?”

Pezeshkian’s comments reflect a broader vision for his administration, prioritizing adherence to established policies and personal accountability as the foundations for national cohesion and cultural renewal.

The inauguration ceremony of the president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian will be held in the Parliament next week on Tuesday afternoon.

A ceremony will be held on Sunday to present the decree for his presidency, with the Leader of Islamic Revolution and the country’s high-ranking officials in attendance.

 

Iran: Zarif to lead transitional council

Iran's President-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian, has appointed former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as the head of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations for the transition period in his first presidential decree. 

Zarif was one of the most prominent reformist figures backing Pezeshkian during his presidential campaign. The former foreign minister became a household name after he brokered the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015. 

The council, comprised of experts and advisors, will focus on assessing potential candidates for key cabinet positions and ensuring a seamless handover of leadership. 

In a message on his X account, Zarif said Pezeshkian has yet to choose candidates for any vice-presidency or ministerial positions. 

"So far, no candidate for any position, including first vice president, has even been considered,” the former top diplomat announced. "The review process will start after receiving proposals from NGOs, scientific associations, trade associations, and the private sector." 

The council is reportedly set to convene meetings with various stakeholders on Saturday to conduct thorough evaluations of potential candidates.

Pezeshkian's office had earlier issued a call for input on cabinet members, inviting a wide range of social groups and political parties to participate in the process. 

 

Pezeshkian to take oath on July 30

A member of the presiding board of the Parliament announced that the oath taking ceremony of Masoud Pezeshkian the elected president of Iran will be held on Tuesday, July 30.

According to IRNA, Mojtaba Yousefi, a member of the presiding board of the Parliament, announced that the oath taking ceremony will be held on July 30.

The head of the Judiciary, the speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, the chief of the Supreme Court, members of the Guardian Council, and several foreign ambassadors will participate in the ceremony. 

Masoud Pezeshkian was elected as the ninth president of Iran in the second round of the presidential elections with the majority of votes, and the inauguration ceremony and the implementation of the leadership decree will take place on July 30, 2024.

 

Pezeshkian wants better ties with Iraq and Pakistan

Iran's president-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian, has emphasized the importance of strengthening relations with both Iraq and Pakistan in separate phone calls with the leaders of both countries. 

During his conversation with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, Pezeshkian highlighted the strong bonds between Iran and Iraq, stating, "The extent of political, economic, cultural and religious ties between Iran and Iraq needs no explanation." He expressed hope that these relations "will be further deepened in the new era with the cooperation of the high officials of the two countries." 

President Rashid reciprocated these sentiments, congratulating Pezeshkian on his election victory and describing the relationship between the two countries as "deep, strong, and in line with the interests of the two nations." He added that Iraq is "interested in maintaining and promoting these relations and also creating a basis for further cooperation in the new era."

In his conversation with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian reiterated his commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations, stating, "I express my desire to further deepen relations between the two brotherly nations."

Sharif echoed this sentiment, highlighting the positive momentum built during the late President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Pakistan, stating, "The agreements between the two countries... paved the way for a mutually beneficial partnership." He further emphasized Pakistan's commitment to "developing all-out ties with Iran" and discussed ways to enhance cooperation "particularly in trade, commerce & investment, and foster a stronger partnership for regional stability." He concluded by stating, "As brothers and neighbors, our two countries have a shared vision for building a better future together for our people."

Iran, which shares its longest borders with Iraq and Pakistan, has been adamant about advancing cooperation with the two countries, particularly in trade and security. It signed security pacts with both states during the Raisi administration in order to tackle terrorist groups funded by extra-regional forces. 

Pezeshkian has vowed to continue the late Raisi’s path, who emphasized the strengthening of ties with neighboring and regional countries. Additionally, the president-elect pledged to enhance cooperation with Russia and Turkey during separate phone calls on Monday.

The president-elect has also addressed Resistance forces in recent days, indicating that he plans to continue the previous administration’s support for freedom fighters in the region.

In his letter to Hezbollah’s secretary-general, Pezeshkian vowed Iran would continue to back the Resistance, dashing Zionist hopes for a diminished emphasis on resistance groups with a reformist Iranian government in office. 

 

Pezeshkian cabinet to comprise of moderates

The July 05 runoff presidential elections in Iran, which saw reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian emerge victorious over conservative Saeed Jalili, has sparked debate about the future direction of the country. Political observers are now analyzing the potential composition of Pezeshkian's administration and its impact on Iran's domestic and foreign policies.

Parviz Amini, a university professor and prominent political expert, believes that Pezeshkian's government will likely be dominated by moderate factions.

Amini, in an interview with Farhikhtegan Newspaper, pointed out that Pezeshkian's campaign lacked concrete details about his governing strategy.

"The performance of his administration will heavily depend on his cabinet appointments," Amini stated.

"There are various factions within the reformist movement, and the individuals chosen for economic, cultural, and foreign policy positions will significantly shape his presidency,” he said, adding that he believes moderate politicians will play a central role in Pezeshkian's administration.

Pezeshkian was often accompanied by prominent reformist figures during his presidential campaign including former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zari and former finance minister Ali Tayebnia.

On the 10 percent increase in turnout rates during the second round of the presidential elections, Amini suggested that the two presidential debates held in the week leading up to the runoff played a significant role in boosting voter participation.

“The debates provided a platform for both candidates to present their visions and appeal to different segments of the electorate. Jalili attempted to sway voters away from Pezeshkian by portraying his potential administration as a continuation of President Hassan Rouhani's two terms, which some viewed as a period of stagnation. Conversely, Pezeshkian aimed to attract Jalili's supporters by emphasizing Jalili’s perceived conservative approach to cultural and social issues,” the expert explained

 

Iran election: Doesn’t matter who win

Masoud Pezeshkian has won the country's run-off presidential vote, the interior ministry said on Saturday. "By gaining majority of the votes cast on Friday, Pezeshkian has become Iran's next president," it said.

The low-profile moderate Masoud Pezeshkian, who has pledged to open Iran to the world and deliver freedoms its people have yearned for, is expected to win the run-off presidential vote on Friday.

Reportedly, the vote counting has ended and the rival candidates have been informed about the result. Pezeshkian is around three million votes ahead of his hardline rival Saeed Jalili.

Earlier, the interior ministry said that Pezeshkian was leading the race in early results, adding that the initial reports showed turnout was around 50%, higher than the first round.

The run-off follows a June 28 ballot with historically low turnout, when over 60% of Iranian voters abstained from the snap election for a successor to Ebrahim Raisi, following his death in a helicopter crash.

The vote is a tight race between low-key lawmaker Pezeshkian, the sole moderate in the original field of four candidates, and hardline former nuclear negotiator Jalili, a staunch advocate of deepening ties with Russia and China.

Videos on social media showed supporters of Pezeshkian dancing in streets in several cities and motorists honking car horns to cheer his victory.

People in the northwestern city of Urmia, Pezeshkian's hometown, were handing sweets out on the streets.

While the election is expected to have little impact on the Islamic Republic's policies, the president will be closely involved in selecting the successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's 85-year-old Supreme Leader who calls all the shots on top matters of state.

Western media says, voter turnout has plunged over the past four years, which underlines that support for clerical rule has eroded at a time of growing public discontent over economic hardship and curbs on political and social freedoms.

Only 48% of voters participated in the 2021 election that brought Raisi to power, and turnout was 41% in a parliamentary election in March.

The election coincides with escalating Middle East tensions due to the war between Israel and Iranian allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as increased Western pressure on Iran over its fast-advancing uranium enrichment program.

"Voting gives power ... even if there are criticisms, people should vote as each vote is like a missile launch (against enemies)," said Iran's Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Commander Amirali Hajizadeh.

The next president is not expected to produce any major policy shift on the nuclear program or change in support for militia groups across the Middle East, but he runs the government day-to-day and can influence the tone of Iran's foreign and domestic policy.

Election rivals Jalili and Pezeshkian are establishment men loyal to Iran's theocracy. But analysts said a win by the anti-Western Jalili would signal a potentially an even more authoritarian domestic policy and antagonistic foreign policy.

A triumph by Pezeshkian might promote a pragmatic foreign policy, ease tensions over now-stalled negotiations with major powers to revive a 2015 nuclear deal, and improve prospects for social liberalization and political pluralism.

However, many voters are skeptical about Pezeshkian's ability to fulfil his campaign promises as the former health minister has publicly stated that he had no intention of confronting Iran's power elite of clerics and security hawks.