Iran’s president-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian, called for national unity after winning Friday’s run-off election against hardline rival Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old cardiac surgeon, promised pragmatic foreign policy and social liberalization. However, his ability to effect change is uncertain due to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s ultimate authority. Pezeshkian will succeed President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May.
