Iran delivers reformist verdict as cardiac surgeon Pezeshkian wins hearts in presidential elections

Iran's reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday (July 6) won a runoff presidential election against ultraconservative Saeed Jalili, state media reported.

Officials have so far counted more than 30 million votes, out of which Pezeshkian garnered over 17 million and Jalili more than 13 million, according to results released by the interior ministry.

Iran has a president and a parliament (Majlis). But unlike modern-day democracies, in Iran, one Supreme Leader exerts both ideological and political control of the entire elected power structure.

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In his first remarks after being declared winner of the runoff vote,president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday (July 6) he would "extend the hand of friendship to everyone".

"We will extend the hand of friendship to everyone; we are all people of this country; we should use everyone for the progress of the country," Pezeshkian said on state television.

Pezeshkian will replace late ultraconservative president Ebrahim Raisi who died in a May helicopter crash.

"These people participated with love, they came to help, and I thank all these dear people," Pezeshkian added.

In the lead-up to the elections, Iran's main reformist coalition threw its weight behind Pezeshkian. Former presidents Mohammad Khatami and the moderate Hassan Rouhani had declared support for his bid.

Pezeshkian takes over the presidency amid heightened regional tensions over 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.

More information will be added soon.