UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and Global Leaders Extend Congratulations to Iran’s New President-Elect Masoud Pezeshkian
On Saturday, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, along with numerous global leaders, sent messages of congratulations to Masoud Pezeshkian following his victory in Iran’s presidential run-off election. Pezeshkian, a reformist candidate, emerged as the winner in the highly contested run-off held on Friday. He was the only moderate among the initial four candidates, competing against Saeed Jalili, a hardline former nuclear negotiator. At 69 years old, Pezeshkian is a respected cardiac surgeon who has vowed to implement a pragmatic foreign policy, address stalled negotiations concerning the 2015 nuclear agreement, and push for social liberalization and political pluralism in Iran.
The victory of Pezeshkian marks a significant shift in Iran’s political landscape, offering a new direction in foreign relations and domestic policies. In response to his election, Sheikh Mohamed, the President of the UAE, expressed his anticipation for enhanced relations between the UAE and Iran during Pezeshkian’s presidency. In a message posted on X, Sheikh Mohamed said, “I wish him success in his role and look forward to working together to further strengthen ties between the UAE and Iran for the benefit of our two nations and peoples.” This sentiment reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering improved diplomatic and economic relations with its regional neighbor.
Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, also conveyed his congratulations and expressed hope for increased collaboration between the UAE and Iran. His message on X read, “We look forward to working together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.” This highlights the UAE’s desire to see constructive developments in regional dynamics under the new Iranian leadership.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, sent a similar message of congratulations, underscoring the UAE’s supportive stance towards Iran’s new leadership and its potential impact on regional relations.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also congratulated Pezeshkian on his election. According to state news agency SPA, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized his commitment to advancing the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran. “I affirm my keenness on developing and deepening the relations between our countries and people and serve our mutual interests,” stated the Crown Prince. This message reflects Saudi Arabia’s interest in strengthening ties following the re-establishment of relations with Iran in March of the previous year, a deal brokered by China that ended years of estrangement between the two countries.
In Qatar, Emir Sheikh Tamim extended his well-wishes to Pezeshkian, expressing hopes for continued prosperity and development in Iran. Sheikh Tamim’s message highlighted the importance of advancing regional stability and benefiting both the region and the global community. Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal also sent his congratulations, wishing for “prosperity and development” for Iran. Similarly, Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al Abdullah Al Sabah conveyed a message of support to Pezeshkian.
Iraq’s President Abdullatif Rashid offered his best wishes to Pezeshkian, reaffirming Iraq’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. “I’ll take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to Iraq-Iran relations and to working together to benefit the citizens of both nations,” President Rashid said in his message on X. His comments underscore Iraq’s interest in maintaining and enhancing its diplomatic ties with Iran. Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani also congratulated Pezeshkian, emphasizing the depth of the relationship between the two neighboring countries and the necessity of continued high-level coordination to serve mutual interests.
Syria’s President Bashar Al Assad was among the first regional leaders to congratulate Pezeshkian. Assad, whose regime has been supported by Iran-allied militias during the Syrian civil war, expressed a commitment to strengthening the Syrian-Iranian strategic relationship. “We will work with you to strengthen the Syrian-Iranian strategic relationship and open new promising horizons for bilateral cooperation,” Assad stated. His message reflects the ongoing strategic alliance between Syria and Iran and the continued emphasis on mutual cooperation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also extended his congratulations to Pezeshkian, calling for increased cooperation between Russia and Iran. “I hope that your tenure as president will contribute to a reinforcement of constructive bilateral cooperation between our friendly peoples,” Putin said. He expressed a desire for enhanced coordination between the two countries, particularly in resolving international issues in a constructive manner. This comes amid international sanctions on Russia and its efforts to build alliances with countries like Iran.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Pezeshkian, expressing eagerness to work closely with the new president to strengthen the longstanding bilateral relationship between India and Iran. Modi’s message on X highlighted his anticipation for continued cooperation to benefit both nations and the broader region.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also conveyed his congratulations to Pezeshkian. Xi expressed a willingness to collaborate closely with the new president to advance the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership. “I am willing to work with the President to lead the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership towards deeper advancement,” Xi Jinping was quoted by state news agency Xinhua. This underscores China’s commitment to deepening its strategic ties with Iran under the new leadership.
These congratulatory messages from global leaders highlight the international community’s interest in fostering improved relations and cooperation with Iran under its new president-elect. The widespread support reflects a shared hope for positive changes in Iran’s domestic policies and international relations, as well as a desire for continued collaboration on various fronts.