Ex-Iranian FM Zarif to Back Presidential Hopeful Pezeshkian in TV Roundtable

Iran's ex-foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, announced plans to support Masoud Pezeshkian, a so-called "reformist" presidential candidate, in an upcoming political roundtable on state television.

Zarif, who was Iran’s top diplomat from 2013 to 2021 and a key figure in the controversial nuclear deal negotiations, declared his intentions through a post on the social networking platform X.

The planned discussion is expected to touch on major national issues under a potential Pezeshkian presidency, though skeptics doubt significant change will occur if he were elected.

The event comes as Iran prepares for unexpected presidential elections on June 28 following the sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.

Critics fear that the roundtable may simply be another example of Iran’s political theater, aimed at maintaining the status quo under the guise of reform.

Skepticism about Pezeshkian’s potential for genuine reform is growing as he aligns closer to the narrative of the ruling theocratic regime. In a recent televised interview, he focused primarily on economic issues without touching on more contentious subjects such as foreign policy, the nuclear program, or the mandatory hijab law, leaving many supporters feeling disillusioned as the country cries out for change.