Iran's new president sworn in amid 'Death to America and Israel' chants
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian (Getty Images)
Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, was sworn in on Tuesday after winning the election, promising to improve Iran's ties with the world and ease restrictions on social freedoms within the country, reports Reuters.
“We will pursue constructive and effective interaction with the world based on dignity, wisdom, and expediency,” Pezeshkian said at a parliamentary meeting with foreign officials.
His victory has raised hopes for a warming of Iran's antagonistic relations with the West, which could create opportunities to defuse its nuclear standoff with world powers.
Pezeshkian is taking office at a time of escalating tensions in the Middle East due to Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza and cross-border fighting with Iran's ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iran has accused the United States of supporting Israeli crimes in Gaza.
“Those who supply weapons that kill children cannot teach Muslims about humanity,” Pezeshkian said, amid chants of "Death to America" and ”Death to Israel.”
The ceremony was attended by the leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, as well as high-ranking representatives of the Tehran-backed Yemeni Houthi movement and Lebanese Hezbollah.
Iran has held a presidential election. The only reformist candidate, Masoud Pezeshkian, promised to seek “friendly relations” with the West.
Read more about the Iranian presidential election on RBC-Ukraine.
