Iran’s supreme leader endorses new reformist president

In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks after receiving official seal of approval of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an endorsement ceremony in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, July 28, 2024 (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/AP)

Iran’s supreme leader has formally endorsed Masoud Pezeshkian as president, allowing the reformist politician and heart surgeon to take charge of a country weakened by economic sanctions over its nuclear programme.

During an endorsement ceremony, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Mr Pezeshkian to prioritise neighbours, African and Asian nations, as well as countries that have “supported and helped” Iran in Tehran’s foreign relations policies.