Iran’s rapidly eroding theocracy

In a 45-year-old system in which the Supreme Leader always has the last word, can the reformist presidential candidate’s win really make a difference?

Masoud Pezeshkian, the reformist Iranian candidate who opposes Islamic rule, won Iran’s runoff presidential election with five million extra people voting in the second round.Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Opinion

BY GWYNNE DYER

July 8, 2024

LONDON, U.K.—“I have heard that people’s zeal and interest is higher than in the first round” of Iran’s presidential election, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told Iranian TV just before the second round of voting results. “It is wrong to assume those who a...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past weekâ€™s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy