Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist candidate, has won Iran’s presidential election, defeating hardline conservative Saeed Jalili with 53.3% of the vote.
The runoff election saw a higher turnout than the first round, with 50% of voters participating.
Pezeshkian’s supporters celebrated in the streets, waving green flags and honking horns.
The 71-year-old heart surgeon and parliament member has promised to end Iran’s isolation and negotiate with Western powers over the nuclear deal.
Jalili, a former nuclear negotiator, favors the status quo and has strong support among religious communities.
The election saw widespread discontent and a low turnout, with many boycotting the vote due to lack of choice and frustration with the regime.
The Guardian Council, a powerful body of clerics and jurists, disqualified 74 candidates, including women, from running.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected suggestions that the low turnout represents a rejection of his rule, acknowledging that some Iranians do not accept the current regime.
“We listen to them and we know what they are saying, and it is not like they are hidden and not seen,” Mr. Khamenei said.
Pezeshkian’s victory has been congratulated by the leaders of China, India, and Russia.
His supporters hope for an end to Iran’s isolation and a renewal of the nuclear deal, while Jalili’s supporters fear more confrontation and sanctions.
The election outcome may bring changes to Iran’s domestic and foreign policies, amid widespread discontent and mistrust of the establishment.
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