RFE/RL Reports: Iran After the Election of Hassan Rohani
The ballots have been cast and Hassan Rohani has been chosen as Iran’s new president. The cleric and former military commander, who also led Iran’s nuclear negotiations and served in parliament, campaigned on the desire for more free expression and fewer political jailings. He used a key as a campaign symbol of the need to break the country’s political deadlock and suggested he can help usher in a “Government of Deliberation and Hope.” RFE/RL and Radio Farda report on what his leadership means for Iran.
Mardo Soghom, RFE/RL’s regional director for Iran and Iraq, provided a FLASH ANALYSIS explaining the significance of Rohani’s victory and the supreme leader’s apparent decision to allow it happen.
Iranians took to the streets of Tehran and other cities to celebrate Rohani’s victory, and as Persian Letters blogger Golnaz Esfandiari reports, the cleric’s win demonstrates a desire for change.
Rohani is considered a relative moderate, and is best known abroad for his role as Iran’s top nuclear negotiator from 2003 to 2005. But he has a long resume of accomplishments as an academic, military leader, long-time parliamentarian, and holder of various high-ranking government posts.
The new president-elect says more transparency in the country’s nuclear program would help ease international sanctions.
Listeners from across Iran have contacted Radio Farda following the June 14 presidential vote with their thoughts on Rohani’s surprise victory.
Hassan Rohani: in his own words.