Pezeshkian, and the Future of Bahraini-Iranian Relations

BY CAPTAIN MAHMOOD AL MAHMOOD

When reading about the history of the newly elected Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, we find many keys and few locks. He is, so far, considered the harbinger awaited by the Iranian people and a figure who could serve as a gateway to Bahraini-Iranian relations.. To start, we see Pezeshkian as a doctor and university professor who values the importance of science in dealing with others.

This is also evident in his positions on reforming education and healthcare. He served as Minister of Health and Medical Education in Mohammad Khatami’s government and focused his election campaign on development, social justice, transparency, fighting corruption, and promoting economic growth.

Here, we notice that he speaks the same language as the region and uses the same terminology. From his promises in foreign policy, we can discern his efforts to “reduce international tensions and restore participatory diplomacy with the world.” This marks a positive point of convergence, opening the door to restoring good relations and neighborliness with Tehran, which we have long missed.

Pezeshkian ’s previous statements suggest he has the ability to balance satisfying the religious regime while implementing his reformist policies. He described himself saying, “I am a conservative, and these are the principles we want to reform for.”

In this sentence, I see the political intelligence and experi-ence that qualify him to pass his agenda without opposition from hardliners.

Pezeshkian has opposed dealing with the opposition violently, due to his scientific and academic back-ground.

He strongly criticized the authorities’ handling of the Mahsa Amini case and her death while in custody, calling for the formation of an investigative team to uncover the circumstances of her death.

What distinguishes the new Iranian president is his experience in parliamentary and governmental work, which will undoubtedly result in a balanced character with a harmonious blend between the legislative and executive branches.

His success in remaining in the Iranian parliament for four terms indicates his popularity on the street and his ability to garner support and overcome obstacles placed before him.

I believe that Pezeshkian would not have received the approval of the Guardian Council—as happened in the 2013 elections—if not for the exclusion of reformists Abbas Akhundi and Eshaq Jahangiri.

The council found him to be the most suitable candidate, given his balanced political history.

It remains to be seen how his election will reflect on a country recently seeking rapprochement with the Gulf.

Here, I see in Pezeshkian’s history, thinking style, and political capabilities what qualifies him to accelerate the resolution of disputes with Bahrain and enhance stability, which will achieve his elec-toral program’s goals of establishing a sustainable development-based economic system and escaping the prison of sanctions.

Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, extends its hand to such a president, welcoming him as an active partner in enhancing the future of the region.

We will see promising developments in the coming days. As soon as his victory was announced, Bahrain was among the first to congratulate him, sending a message that we are the closest to you.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Daily Tribune)