World leaders congratulate Iran’s Pezeshkian on presidential election win

In a resounding victory reverberating across the globe, Masoud Pezeshkian, a centrist figure promising to open Iran to the world, decisively won the country's presidential run-off election. Pezeshkian's triumph, securing 53.7 percent of the votes or 16.3 million ballots cast, sends a powerful message of moderation and international engagement, prompting an outpouring of congratulations from world leaders.

On Saturday, the newly elected president acknowledged the "difficult path ahead" but extended an olive branch to all Iranians, vowing, "I extend my hand towards you and swear on my honor that I will not leave you alone on this path. Don't leave me alone."

As the world eagerly awaits Pezeshkian's tenure, a chorus of well-wishes and expressions of hope for strengthened ties have echoed from various corners of the globe.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin, a key ally of Iran, congratulated Pezeshkian, expressing hope that the new administration would contribute to reinforcing constructive bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Putin's sentiment was echoed by Russian officials engaged in negotiations for a comprehensive bilateral cooperation agreement with Iran.

In a notable diplomatic breakthrough, Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended their congratulations to Pezeshkian. This gesture holds particular significance following the recent China-brokered deal that restored diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia after years of tensions. The crown prince affirmed his commitment to developing and deepening relations between their countries and peoples to serve mutual interests.

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev warmly welcomed Pezeshkian's electoral success, emphasizing his nation's strong commitment to relations with Iran. Aliyev invited the new president, expressing confidence that joint efforts would "further strengthen traditional friendly relations and expand mutually beneficial cooperation."

Venezuela, a close ally of Iran, praised the Islamic Republic's commitment to democracy demonstrated during the election process. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil assured Pezeshkian of the "absolute support" of President Nicolas Maduro and his government, aimed at expanding relations and countering hegemonic pretensions threatening multilateralism and world peace.

China's President Xi Jinping, highlighting longstanding friendly exchanges between the two nations, expressed readiness to collaborate with Pezeshkian in advancing the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership. Xi emphasized mutual support amid complex regional and international situations, focusing on consolidating strategic mutual trust.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed eagerness to work closely with Pezeshkian "to further strengthen our warm and longstanding bilateral relationship for the benefit of our peoples and the region."

Neighboring Iraq's President Abdul Latif Rashid conveyed congratulations to both Iran and the president-elect, wishing him success in fulfilling the aspirations of the Iranian people. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed similar sentiments, expressing desire to promote regional peace and stability through mutually beneficial cooperation.

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah wished Pezeshkian a prosperous tenure, while Syria's President Bashar al-Assad reaffirmed commitment to boosting the strategic relationship between the two nations, built on decades of mutual respect and common principles.

As Masoud Pezeshkian prepares to assume leadership, the global community has extended a warm embrace, signaling a collective aspiration for a new era of engagement and cooperation with the Islamic Republic. With his pledge to open Iran to the world, Pezeshkian's ascension has ignited hopes for diplomatic thaw and forging new alliances, ushering in a renewed chapter in Iran's international relations.