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Inauguration of new Iranian president: What it means for ties with the U.S., Israel

Adam O. Erol

Masoud Pezeshkian (C) arrives for the presidential swearing-in ceremony at the parliament in Tehran, Iran, July 30, 2024. /Xinhua
Masoud Pezeshkian (C) arrives for the presidential swearing-in ceremony at the parliament in Tehran, Iran, July 30, 2024. /Xinhua

Masoud Pezeshkian (C) arrives for the presidential swearing-in ceremony at the parliament in Tehran, Iran, July 30, 2024. /Xinhua

Editor's note: Adam O. Erol, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a distinguished columnist known for his deep expertise in China, the Middle East, and Turkey's foreign policy. His diverse background includes journalism and politics, enriching his analysis and commentary. This article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

On July 30, 2024, Masoud Pezeshkian was inaugurated as the new president of Iran in a grand ceremony held in Tehran. This marks a significant moment in Iranian politics as Pezeshkian, a reformist, takes the helm amidst a backdrop of complex international relations and internal challenges. As the world watches closely, the policies of Pezeshkian's administration towards the United States and Israel will be pivotal in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

Policy toward the United States

The Pezeshkian administration is expected to navigate a delicate path in its relations with the United States. The history of U.S.-Iran relations is fraught with tension, from the 1979 Islamic Revolution and subsequent hostage crisis to the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump. The election of Pezeshkian, who is seen as a moderate and reformist, brings hope for a possible thaw in these strained relations.

Nuclear deal and sanctions

One of the critical issues on Pezeshkian's agenda will be the revival of the JCPOA, commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal. During his campaign, Pezeshkian emphasized the need for "constructive negotiations" with Western powers to renew the agreement, which aims to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. The reinstatement of the JCPOA would be a significant step towards improving relations with the U.S., providing much-needed economic relief for Iran while addressing international concerns over its nuclear program.

Pezeshkian's administration will likely push for a balanced approach, seeking concessions from the U.S. while demonstrating a commitment to transparency and compliance with the nuclear agreement. However, achieving this balance will require diplomatic finesse, particularly in dealing with hardliners within Iran who oppose concessions to the West.

Human rights and diplomatic engagement

Another aspect of Iran-U.S. relations under Pezeshkian's presidency will be addressing human rights issues. The Joe Biden administration has clarified that human rights will be a critical component of its foreign policy. Pezeshkian's reformist stance and promises to promote social freedoms and human rights could pave the way for more constructive dialogue with the U.S. on these issues.

However, Pezeshkian will need to carefully navigate the political landscape within Iran, balancing calls for reform with the conservative factions that hold significant power. Any perceived overreach in aligning with U.S. expectations could provoke a backlash from hardliners, complicating his efforts to improve bilateral relations.

Israeli air defense system launches to intercept missiles in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 14, 2024. /Xinhua
Israeli air defense system launches to intercept missiles in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 14, 2024. /Xinhua

Israeli air defense system launches to intercept missiles in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 14, 2024. /Xinhua

Policy toward Israel

Iran's policy towards Israel is another critical area that will define Pezeshkian's foreign policy agenda. Historically, Iran has maintained a hostile stance towards Israel, with the previous administration under Ebrahim Raisi continuing to support anti-Israel rhetoric and militant groups in the region.

Pezeshkian's approach towards Israel will be closely scrutinized, especially given his reformist background. While a complete reversal of Iran's stance towards Israel seems unlikely, Pezeshkian may pursue a more nuanced policy aimed at de-escalation and reducing confrontations. This could involve scaling back support for militant groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which have been key points of contention in Iran-Israel relations. The recent killing of Hamas Politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran has further complicated the relationship, making de-escalation efforts even more critical.

Impact of Ismail Haniyeh's killing

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a significant figure in Hamas, on Iranian soil has added a layer of complexity to Iran's already strained relationship with Israel. Haniyeh's presence in Iran, coupled with his assassination, underscores the deep ties between Iran and Hamas. This incident has the potential to escalate tensions, not only between Iran and Israel but also within the broader Middle Eastern context.

For Pezeshkian, navigating the fallout from Haniyeh's killing will be a significant challenge. It highlights the risks of Iran's involvement with militant groups and the potential for these relationships to draw Iran further into regional conflicts. The international community, particularly countries with a vested interest in Middle Eastern stability, will be closely monitoring how Pezeshkian addresses this issue.

Regional stability and diplomacy

Pezeshkian's administration might also focus on broader regional stability, seeking to reduce tensions through diplomatic channels. Engaging in multilateral talks and regional security frameworks could help mitigate the risk of direct conflict with Israel. Pezeshkian's emphasis on "unity and cohesion" within Iran could extend to a more cohesive and less aggressive foreign policy approach in the region. Pezeshkian's ability to balance internal political pressures with the need for regional stability will be a key test of his leadership.

In conclusion, the inauguration of Masoud Pezeshkian as president of Iran marks a potentially transformative moment in the country's domestic and international policies. His administration's approach towards the United States and Israel will be crucial in shaping the future of Iran's foreign relations and its role in the Middle East.

Pezeshkian's emphasis on constructive negotiations, human rights and regional stability offers a glimmer of hope for de-escalating long-standing tensions with the U.S. and Israel. However, the path forward will be fraught with challenges, requiring diplomatic skill and political acumen to navigate the complex landscape of Iranian politics and international relations.

As the world watches Pezeshkian's next moves, the potential for a more open and engaged Iran could signal a shift towards greater stability and cooperation in the region. The decisions made in the coming months will be critical in determining the trajectory of Iran's foreign policy and its impact on global geopolitics.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on X, formerly Twitter, to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)

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