Tehran, July 31 — Dr. Massoud Pezeshkian has officially assumed the role of the ninth president of Iran, following a solemn swearing-in ceremony held at 4 PM local time on Tuesday in the main hall of Iran's National Parliament. The ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ajayi.

In his oath of office, President Pezeshkian pledged to "devote all my abilities and talents to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to me and dedicate myself to the service of the people and the promotion of religion and morality, support for justice and the promotion of justice to improve the nation."

The event was attended by delegations from 88 countries, including high-ranking officials such as presidents, vice presidents, ministers, deputy ministers, members of national parliaments, ambassadors, and 600 local and foreign journalists. Notable attendees included the President of Tajikistan, the Speaker of Parliament of Uzbekistan, the Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Congo, the Vice President of Brazil, European Union Vice President Enrique Mora, and representatives from Japan, South Africa, South Korea, and the Shanghai Cooperation Council.

Pezeshkian's presidency follows the tragic death of his predecessor, Ibrahim Raisi, who, along with several key officials, died in a helicopter crash near the city of Tabriz in May. The crash also claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahian, the Governor of East Azerbaijan Malek Rahmati, and others.

Background on Massoud Pezeshkian

Born on September 29, 1954, in Mahabad, Pezeshkian's early career included military service and a transition to medicine. He graduated with a medical degree from Tabriz Medical Science University, followed by a specialization in cardiac surgery. He served as the head of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences for five years.

Pezeshkian entered politics in 1997 as Deputy Health Minister under President Mohammad Khatami, later serving as Minister of Health from 2001 to 2005. He has been elected five times as a member of parliament representing Tabriz and served as Deputy Speaker in the 10th National Assembly. He had previously run for the presidency in 2013 and 2021 but withdrew or was not approved by the Guardian Council.

Following the untimely death of President Raisi, Pezeshkian re-entered the presidential race and has now been inaugurated as the country's president.

As President Pezeshkian takes office, Iran faces numerous domestic and international challenges. His leadership will be closely watched as he navigates these complex issues.