Iran's new president takes oath of office in presence of regional proxies

Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, was sworn in Tuesday, vowing to lift sanctions and engage in global dialogue, amid an audience of proxy militia leaders and a notable absence of high-ranking international officials.

The newly elected president was sworn in with the presence of the head of the judiciary and the Guardian Council, promising to uphold the constitution and faithfully execute his duties as the head of state.

It follows assumed office Sunday with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's approval.

In his speech, Pezeshkian attributed his election to the "wisdom of the leadership" and the "astute vote of the people," asserting that this election "has ushered in a new era of opportunity for both Iran and the world."

"We call upon Western nations to acknowledge the realities and foster relationships grounded in mutual respect and parity. We stand ready to manage tensions and engage in dialogue with those governments that have yet to recognize Iran's dignity and status.

"I affirm that the normalization of economic and trade relations with the global community is Iran's inalienable right, and I will tirelessly strive to lift these unjust sanctions," Pezeshkian said.

Vowing to stand strong on the world stage, which has seen Iran subject to sanctions for its nuclear program, human rights abuses and support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he said "the leadership will not succumb to pressure or excessive demands" while vowing to continue negotiations to lift the crippling sanctions.

"My administration will never yield to coercion, pressure, or double standards. The experience of over two decades of negotiations with Iran should have imparted to the negotiating governments that we have always upheld and will continue to uphold our commitments," he added.

In his opening remarks, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said "the tragic death of late President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions presented a renewed test for the Islamic Republic of Iran in the eyes of global analysts", referring to the sudden death of Raisi who was killed in a freak helicopter crash.

He said through Khamenei, the event had become "a symbol of stability in Islamic Iran" as MPs chanted the slogan "Death to America" and "Death to Israel".

He stated, "The Parliament will utilize all available tools to support the government in the challenging path ahead."

Pezeshkian, consistent with his previous addresses, underscored the importance of adhering to the overarching policies championed by Khamenei.

The inauguration of new presidents in Iran involves a two-step process. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei initially endorses the president-elect in an official ceremony known as Tanfiz. Subsequently, the newly endorsed president formally takes the oath of office before the parliament in the Tahlif ceremony.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei gave Pezeshkian the official presidential mandate on July 28 (Tanfiz) in a ceremony attended by multiple officials and dignitaries.

The president is allocated 15 days to submit his proposed cabinet ministers to the parliament for a vote of confidence, which is anticipated on September 5th.

Iran's state media reported that more than 80 foreign delegations from various countries and international organizations attended the swearing-in ceremony which Iranian officials said was a sign of the Islamic Republic's recognition on the global stage.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed, Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Enrique Mora, the Chief of Staff to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, were among the highest-ranking guests.

Other foreign guests represented neighboring countries and a few friendly governments in Africa and Latin America, and a low level delegation from Iran's ally and biggest oil consumer, China.

Before the ceremony on Tuesday, Pezeshkian met with leaders of Iran's regional proxies including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the spokesman for Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement, to express support for their actions against Israel.

On October 7, Gaza-based Hamas invaded Israel, killing 1,200 mostly civilians and taking over 250 more hostage. Since then, Iran's proxies have mobilized in support of the Palestinian group designated by countries including the UK.

Both Israeli and US targets in the region have come under fire from Iran's militias across the Middle East.

Since November, under the orders of Khamenei, the Iran-backed Houthis have significantly disrupted international commercial shipping in the Red Sea by attacking cargo ships and tankers in a bid to force Israel into a ceasefire amid the war in Gaza.

The United States and Britain have retaliated several times against Houthi military targets, yet have failed to deter the militia, which rules over more than half of Yemen.

The situation escalated this month when, for the first time, Israel's defense system failed to intercept a Houthi drone aimed at Tel Aviv. The drone struck an apartment building near the US Embassy branch office in Tel Aviv, resulting in the death of one person and injuring ten others.