Iran's policy on Armenia to remain unchanged under Pezeshkian, expert says
The outcome of Iran’s presidential runoff election is unlikely to affect its relations with Armenia, Garik Misakyan, a Yerevan-based specialist on Iran, told Panorama.am on Saturday.
Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has been elected as Iran's new president after securing 53.3% of the vote, beating his hardline conservative rival Saeed Jalili.
Misakyan believes Iran’s policy on Armenia will remain largely unchanged under Pezeshkian’s rule.
"Masoud Pezeshkian is originally from the Turkic-speaking part of Atropatene. Iran’s spiritual leader also comes from this region. The place of birth cannot matter so much given the nature of Iran's foreign policy as decisions are mostly made by the supreme leader. Taking all this into account, I don't think there will be any major changes at this point,” the expert said, adding Iran's supreme leader is yet to issue a statement regarding the July 5 elections and the country’s political course.
Asked whether the possible appointment of Pezeshkian’s supporters with pan-Turkic sentiments to government posts could affect Iran-Armenia relations, he said: “If pro-Azerbaijani figures get posts, it could have a certain influence, but there are no talks about candidates for key ministerial posts and other high positions. Candidates are approved by Iran's parliament.”
Misakyan cited reports of Mohammad Javad Zarif's possible comeback as Iranian foreign minister.
“It’s still too early to talk about any radical shifts, but certain changes in Iran’s foreign policy are possible due to the election of a new president," he added.
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