Masoud Pezeshkian: The Heart Doctor Who Became Iran’s President

In July 2024, the people of Iran chose a new president. His name is Masoud Pezeshkian. He is not just a politician—he is also a heart surgeon and a man who has seen much pain and change in his life. In this article, we’ll explore who Masoud Pezeshkian is, what he stands for, and what his election could mean for Iran and the world.

A Doctor Before a Politician

Masoud Pezeshkian was born in 1954 in the city of Mahabad, in northwestern Iran. His father was Azeri, and his mother was Kurdish. These are two important ethnic groups in Iran, and this background helped Pezeshkian understand the struggles of Iran’s many different people.

Before entering politics, he was a heart surgeon. He worked in hospitals, treated patients, and saved lives. He also helped wounded soldiers during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. Later, he became Iran’s Health Minister under President Mohammad Khatami from 2001 to 2005.

Personal Tragedy

In 1994, Pezeshkian’s wife and one of his children died in a car accident. This was a huge loss. But he continued to raise his other three children alone while working as a doctor and teacher. Many people in Iran respect him for his strength and for being a caring father.

Entering Politics

After working as a doctor and Health Minister, Pezeshkian became a member of parliament. He was known for being honest, moderate, and reform-minded. He often spoke about the rights of ethnic minorities, and he supported women’s rights and freedom of speech.

Although he is not part of any political party, he is often called a reformist. This means he supports change and more openness in society. But he also shows respect for Iran’s religious system and the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Winning the Presidency

After the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in 2024, Iran held early elections. In the first round, Pezeshkian got more votes than anyone else. In the second round, he defeated Saeed Jalili, a hardline conservative, with about 54% of the vote.

Many people were surprised. In recent years, elections in Iran have often had low turnout and little competition. But this time, more people voted. Pezeshkian’s win gave hope to Iranians who want more freedom and less pressure from the government.

What Does He Believe?

Pezeshkian wants to bring more fairness and less control in everyday life. He says the government should not force women to wear the hijab (Islamic headscarf) with violence. He also wants better treatment for minority groups, like Kurds, Azeris, and Baluchis.

Economically, he knows that Iran is in a difficult place. Sanctions from the United States and other countries have made life hard. Prices are high, jobs are few, and many young people want to leave the country. Pezeshkian wants to fix these problems by improving Iran’s relationships with the world, especially with Western countries.

Trouble Ahead

Even though he is president, Pezeshkian doesn’t have full control. In Iran, the Supreme Leader has more power than the president. The military, especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), also plays a big role in politics and security. Changing policies or making peace with the West will not be easy.

In fact, Pezeshkian has already faced danger. In June 2025, a building in Tehran where he and other top officials were meeting was hit by an Israeli airstrike, according to reports. Some sources say it was an assassination attempt. Pezeshkian survived with a minor leg injury, but the attack showed how risky his job is in today’s Middle East.

Foreign Policy and Hope for Peace

Pezeshkian says he wants to return to nuclear talks with the U.S. and Europe. He believes that dialogue, not war, is the best way to protect Iran. But he also says Iran will not give up its independence or accept unfair conditions.

He faces pressure from both inside and outside the country. Some Iranian leaders do not trust the West. And after years of broken promises and tension, many people in the U.S. and Europe do not trust Iran.

Still, Pezeshkian’s words offer a different tone. He speaks more calmly. He listens more. And he does not use threats as quickly as others have in the past.

A President With a Human Face

Masoud Pezeshkian is not a perfect leader, but he brings something different. He is not a career politician. He is a doctor, a father, and a man who has known both pain and healing. His story touches many Iranians who are tired of fear, sanctions, and war.

It is too early to say how successful he will be. Iran is a complex country with many power centers. But Pezeshkian may be the start of a new chapter—a chance for moderation, peace, and reform, even if small.

In a region full of fire and fear, his calm voice might be the medicine Iran needs.