Image Credits: Reuters
Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s newly elected president, was formally inaugurated in a ceremony held at the Iranian parliament on Tuesday afternoon. The inauguration marks the second stage of Pezeshkian’s ascension to the presidency, following his initial approval by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
During the ceremony, Iranian lawmakers were heard chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel,” reflecting the country’s longstanding adversarial stance toward the United States and Israel. The chants, which are a traditional part of political demonstrations in Iran, underscore the persistent geopolitical tensions between Iran and these Western nations.
Pezeshkian, who had already taken office on Sunday following Khamenei’s endorsement, formally assumed his role in the parliamentary ceremony. This step, known as Tahlif, follows the endorsement ceremony (Tanfiz) where the Supreme Leader grants formal approval. The inauguration process also includes the presence of Iran’s Judiciary head and members of the Guardian Council, the unelected body responsible for vetting election candidates.
The dual-step inauguration process highlights the importance of both the Supreme Leader’s endorsement and the parliamentary oath in Iran’s political system. Pezeshkian’s official assumption of office was marked by the ceremonial oath, which is a crucial formality in the Iranian political framework.
The chants during the ceremony serve as a reminder of Iran’s ongoing defiance against Western influence and its commitment to its ideological positions. These slogans are often used in political and public events to demonstrate solidarity with Iran’s anti-Western stance and to rally support among domestic audiences.
As Pezeshkian prepares to announce his cabinet members, the international community will be watching closely to see how his presidency will influence Iran’s foreign and domestic policies. The inauguration reflects not only the formal transition of power but also the continued emphasis on Iran’s traditional positions against its international adversaries.
Recent Developments: The inauguration of Pezeshkian has renewed international attention on Iran’s internal politics and its external relations, particularly with Western countries.