Reformer Masoud Pezeshkian reaches second round of Iranian presidential election

That’s largely because Iran is a theocracy with parallel systems of government, in which elected bodies are overseen by appointed councils of clerics and Islamic jurists. And major state policies on nuclear, military and foreign affairs are set by the country’s supreme leader, Mr. Khamenei.

The president’s role focuses on domestic policy and economic affairs, but it is still an influential position. Mr Rouhani, for example, played an active role in forging a 2015 deal with Western powers in which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

The Trump administration withdrew the United States from the deal in 2018, and Iran has since returned to uranium enrichment. In addition to tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program, the United States and Iran have moved increasingly closer to direct confrontation over the past year as they compete for influence in the Middle East.

In Gaza, the war between U.S. ally Israel and Hamas has drawn the United States, Iran and Iran’s foreign proxies ever closer into conflict. Iran sees the use of these groups as a way to expand its power, but many citizens, especially in the cities, see little value in its leaders’ strategy and believe that the economy will recover only with continued diplomacy and the lifting of sanctions. “We are in a third-world country and we are sitting on top of so much wealth,” said Vahid Arafati, a 38-year-old coffee shop owner in Tehran, after Friday’s vote. “For example, the Arab states are benefiting from their wealth, but with our policies we can’t get anything.”

Asked why he voted if he didn’t expect much change, he said: “Maybe I have some doubts.” hope.” After a moment he added, “Isn’t it good to have a little hope?”

Leily Nikounazar contributed to reporting.