Russia, China back Iran’s new reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian

China and Russia have reacted to Iran reformist Masoud Pezeshkian’s win in his country’s presidential runoff election, but the US is less optimistic.

Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Iran reformist Masoud Pezeshkian for his win in the country’s presidential runoff election.

“I am willing to work with the President to lead the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership towards deeper advancement,” state news agency Xinhua reported Xi as saying.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin also welcomed Iran’s reformist candidate.

“I hope that your tenure as president will contribute to a reinforcement of constructive bilateral cooperation between our friendly peoples,” Putin said.

The two countries, the target of stiff Western sanctions, can “coordinate efforts to resolve international issues in a constructive manner,” he said.

Pezeshkian received more than 16 million votes, around 54 percent, while his rival, ultraconservative Saeed Jalili, took more than 13 million, roughly 44 percent, out of about 30 million votes cast in the second round.

An election was not due until 2025 but was called early after the death of ultraconservative president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Four candidates ran in the first round held on June 28.

Iranian reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian reacts after casting his ballot during the presidential runoff elections in Shareh Qods, west of Tehran. Picture: AFP

India and Iran have warm ties despite Tehran’s pariah status among Western countries including the United States, at the same time as New Delhi pursues greater security cooperation with Washington.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Pezeshkian on X by posting:

“Looking forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our warm and long-standing bilateral relationship for the benefit of our peoples and the region.”

Electoral authority spokesman Mohsen Eslami said voter turnout was 49.8 percent, up from a record low of about 40 percent during the first round.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

Chinese President Xi Jingping.

The election came against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions due to the Gaza war, a dispute with the West over Iran’s nuclear programme, and domestic discontent over the state of Iran’s sanctions-hit economy.

In his first comments after winning, Pezeshkian said the vote was the start of a “partnership” with the Iranian people.

“The difficult path ahead will not be smooth except with your companionship, empathy, and trust. I extend my hand to you,” Pezeshkian said on X.

Saeed Jalili, Iran's presidential candidate and former ultra-conservative nuclear negotiator, surrounded by his supporters at a polling station on July 5, 2024 in Tehran. Picture: Getty

Regardless of the election winner, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has the final say on all major policy issues.

Khamenei had called for a higher turnout in the runoff, and emphasised the election’s importance.

He said the first round turnout was lower than expected, but added that it was not an act “against the system”.

=Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei walks towards the ballot box to vote for the presidential runoff election. Picture: Getty

After more than one million ballots were spoiled in the first round, the figure in the runoff stood at more than 600,000, according to figures provided by Eslami.

The ballot came with some Iranians having lost faith in the system, according to analysts.

Pezeshkian is a 69-year-old heart surgeon whose only previous government experience came as health minister about two decades ago.

He has called for “constructive relations” with Western countries to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and global powers in order to “get Iran out of its isolation”.

The United States unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018, reimposing sanctions and leading Iran to gradually reduce commitment to its terms. The deal aimed to curb nuclear activity which Tehran has maintained is for peaceful purposes.

Iran’s foe the United States on Monday said it would make no difference whether Pezeshkian or Jalili won.

State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said there was no expectation the vote would “lead to a fundamental change in Iran’s direction or lead the Iranian regime to offer more respect for human rights and more dignity for its citizens.”

Pezeshkian vowed to ease long-standing internet restrictions and to “fully” oppose police patrols enforcing the mandatory headscarf for women, a high-profile issue since the death in police custody in 2022 of Mahsa Amini.

Originally published as Russia, China back Iran’s new reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian