In Parliament, Iran's New President Shouts 'Death America, Play Israel'

Iran's new President Masoud Pezeshkian/PHOTO IRNA

JAKARTA - Iran's new president Masoud Pezeshkian was sworn in after winning the election earlier this month by pledging to improve relations with the world and loosen restrictions on social freedom at home.

"We will seek constructive and effective interactions with the world based on dignity, wisdom and benefit," Pezeshkian said at a parliamentary session attended by foreign officials and broadcast live on state television.

His victory has shattered hopes for the melting of Iran's antagonistic relations with the West which may open up opportunities to ease nuclear tensions with major countries.

However, Pezeshkian took office at a time of escalating tensions in the Middle East over the Israeli conflict with Hamas in Gaza and cross-border fighting with Iran's ally, Hezbollah, in Lebanon.

Iran, which supports groups that describe themselves as the Poros of Resistance' to Israel and the influence of America in the Middle East, accuses America of supporting what they call Israel's crimes in Gaza.

"Those who supply weapons that kill children cannot teach Muslims about humanity," Pezeshkian said accompanied by screams "Death to America" and "Death to Israel".

Leaders of Iran's allies in Palestine, Hamas and Islamic Jihad as well as senior representatives of the Tehran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon attended the ceremony.

Pezeshkian, who is expected to announce his cabinet within two weeks, replaced hardline figure Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May.

As the supreme authority in Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has a final decision in all state affairs, including foreign and nuclear policies.

He must also approve the Pezeshkian election for important positions in the cabinet, such as foreign ministers, oil and intelligence.

In addition to increasing pressure from the West over Tehran's fast-growing nuclear program, Pezeshkian is also facing a major task of exempting Iran from crippling US sanctions, which was re-imposed after Washington canceled Iran's nuclear agreement with major countries in 2015.

Indirect talks between Tehran and Washington to save the nuclear deal with six major countries have stalled since 2022, with both sides accusing each other of unreasonable charges.

"My government will never give up on intimidation and pressure... Pressure and sanctions will not work... and the Iranian people must speak respectfully," Pezeshkian said.

Indirect talks between Tehran and Washington to save the nuclear deal with six major countries have stalled since 2022, with both sides accusing each other of unreasonable charges.

"My government will never give up on intimidation and pressure. Pressure and sanctions will not work and the Iranian people must speak respectfully," Pezeshkian said.