Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has officially endorsed Masoud Pezeshkian as the country’s ninth president.
According to Press TV, in a ceremony broadcast live on state television from Tehran, Ayatollah Khamenei formally approved Masoud Pezeshkian, who won the July 5th election, to assume his duties as the new president.
The ceremony was attended by Iranian government and military officials, scholars, university professors, representatives from various institutions, families of martyrs, and foreign ambassadors.
The decree handed over by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is considered the formal endorsement of the president, and it was read out by the head of the leader’s office during the event.
Ayatollah Khamenei stated in the decree that the election of the president was completed peacefully and excellently under difficult circumstances, expressing gratitude to the public and officials.
He noted that the newly elected president is prepared to undertake his significant responsibilities.
Regarding the presidential election, Ayatollah Khamenei described it as one of the achievements of the Iranian people and a symbol of the establishment of a resilient Islamic system, reflecting the maturity of the country’s political environment.
Masoud Pezeshkian, after his formal endorsement as president, will take the oath of office in Parliament on Tuesday, with the Supreme Leader also praying for his success.
Ayatollah Khamenei expressed confidence in the newly elected president and mentioned past peaceful presidential elections in Iran.
He acknowledged that the public has chosen a capable president and emphasized the need for cooperation to fulfill governmental responsibilities.
Addressing the new president’s challenges, he highlighted that the most pressing issue today is the economy, requiring strong and sustainable economic measures.
He praised the previous government’s performance and suggested that it should continue while incorporating new initiatives.
It is noteworthy that Masoud Pezeshkian, who won the election held on July 5 after the deaths of President Ibrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian in a helicopter crash, received over 16 million votes, defeating former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, who received 13 million votes out of 30 million.
The turnout for the Iranian presidential election held after Ibrahim Raisi’s death was approximately 50%.
In the ceremony, the Supreme Leader also referenced the ongoing genocide in Gaza by Israel, where over 39,324 Palestinians, including women and children, have been martyred and 90,830 injured.
He remarked that the issue of Palestine, once considered a matter solely for Muslim countries, has now become an international issue.
The Zionist state has revealed its worst face as a criminal gang, setting new records for mass killings, atrocities, and cruelty in history.