New Iran president vows to free country from sanctions

Says those who supply weapons that kill children cannot teach Muslims about humanity.

By News Desk Last updated Jul 30, 2024

TEHRAN: Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday took oath of office administered by the chief justice of the country.

After the taking oath, President Pezeshkian said that his government would be working to get lifted the economic sanctions imposed by the West.

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by heads of governments and states from different countries. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan. Palestinian groups, including Hamas’ leader Ismail Haniyeh and Islamic Jihad’s Ziyad al Nakhaleh were also present.

“Those who supply weapons that kill children cannot teach Muslims about humanity,” Pezeshkian said to chants of “Death to America,” and “Death to Israel”, according to Reuters news agency.

Pezeshkian, who is expected to name his cabinet within two weeks, replaces hardline Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash in May.

As the ultimate authority in Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has the final say in all state matters, including foreign and nuclear policy.

He must also approve Pezeshkian’s selections for key cabinet posts, such as the foreign, oil and intelligence ministers.

As well as mounting pressure from the West over Tehran’s fast-advancing nuclear programme, Pezeshkian faces the huge task of breaking Iran free of the crippling U.S. sanctions, reimposed after Washington ditched Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with major powers.

Indirect talks between Tehran and Washington to salvage the nuclear accord with six major powers have stalled since 2022, with both sides accusing the other of unreasonable demands.

“My government will never succumb to bullying and pressure … Pressure and sanctions do not work … and the Iranian people should be spoken to with respect,” said Pezeshkian.