Won Iran’s July 2024 presidential runoff against hardliner Saeed Jalili. Cardiac surgeon
and veteran MP; ran as a moderate promising pragmatic foreign policy and social openness
while pledging not to challenge Khamenei’s authority. In office during the June 2025
Twelve-Day War (narrowly survived an Israeli strike on an SNSC meeting) and the February
2026 US-Israel campaign; post-Khamenei succession placed him in a provisional leadership role.

1. Origins & Formation

Born in Mahabad, West Azerbaijan; of Azerbaijani and Kurdish descent. Trained as a physician; served as a medic in the Iran-Iraq War. Later headed Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.

2. Rise to Influence

Entered politics as deputy health minister under Khatami, then health minister (2001-2005). Elected to parliament five times; First Deputy Speaker (2016-2020). Won the July 2024 runoff against Saeed Jalili after Raisi’s death triggered a snap election.

3. Worldview & Inner Logic

Fear driver: Economic collapse, isolation, loss of educated and young Iranians. Belief driver: Engagement and calibrated reform can stabilise the system without overthrowing it. Identity driver: Reformist within red lines; loyal to the Islamic Republic but critical of its harshest policies.

4. Exercise of Power

Heads the executive branch but remains constrained by the Supreme Leader (until 2026), Guardian Council, IRGC, and judiciary. Room for manoeuvre in rhetoric, cabinet choices, and diplomatic tone.

5. Twelve-Day War (June 2025)

During the Israel-Iran air war, an Israeli strike targeted a Supreme National Security Council meeting in Tehran; Pezeshkian was present and escaped with a leg injury. He later stated that Israel had tried to assassinate him. He presided over Iran’s retaliatory posture and the ceasefire that ended the war.

6. February 2026 & Succession

Khamenei’s death in the US-Israeli strikes placed Pezeshkian in a provisional leadership council alongside the judiciary chief and a Guardian Council member until the Assembly of Experts selects a new Supreme Leader.