Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced his support for reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday, just two days before an unscheduled presidential election following the death of Ebrahim Raisi. Rouhani, known for his moderate political stance during his presidency before Raisi’s tenure, expressed confidence that Pezeshkian, the sole reformist contender in the race, could alleviate the economic impact of sanctions on Iran. In a video message published by the reformist Shargh daily, Rouhani praised Pezeshkian’s integrity, emphasizing his commitment to addressing Iran’s challenges effectively.
The election was accelerated due to Raisi’s recent death in a helicopter crash.
Rouhani, whose administration negotiated the 2015 nuclear deal with the United States and other global powers, noted Pezeshkian’s determination to revive the accord, which collapsed after the U.S. unilaterally withdrew in 2018, leading to severe sanctions being reimposed.
Since then, diplomatic efforts to revive the deal, aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, have struggled to make progress.
Pezeshkian, aged 69, is a prominent heart surgeon and longstanding member of parliament representing the northwestern city of Tabriz since 2008.
He is one of the leading candidates among six contenders in Iran’s upcoming presidential race, competing alongside conservative parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili.
Reformist leaders, including former president Mohammad Khatami and former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, have endorsed Pezeshkian’s candidacy.
