Putin Extends Congratulations to Iran’s New President, Seeks Stronger Ties

Russian leader Vladimir Putin congratulated Iran’s reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian on his victory in a presidential runoff, the Kremlin announced on Saturday.

In his message to Pezeshkian, Putin expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral cooperation. “I hope that your tenure as president will contribute to a reinforcement of constructive bilateral cooperation between our friendly peoples,” Putin stated.

Highlighting the shared challenges both nations face, particularly from Western sanctions, Putin emphasized the potential for coordinated efforts in addressing international issues. He noted that Russia and Iran could work together in a constructive manner to navigate the complexities of global politics.

Pezeshkian secured a decisive win, garnering more than 16 million votes, which accounts for approximately 54 percent of the total votes cast. His rival, ultraconservative Saeed Jalili, received over 13 million votes, making up roughly 44 percent of the electorate. The voter turnout was substantial, with around 30 million votes cast in the second round.

This early election was necessitated by the untimely death of ultraconservative president Ebrahim Raisi, who perished in a helicopter crash. Initially, the election was scheduled for 2025 but was brought forward due to this unforeseen event.

The first round of voting, which took place on June 28, saw four candidates vying for the presidency. Pezeshkian’s victory marks a significant shift in Iran’s political landscape, potentially paving the way for a more reformist agenda.