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Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian Pledges To “Open Iran To World” | New President Blow To Hardliners? In an election surprise, Iranian voters have chosen a reformist president over a hard-liner, Khamenei protege. Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian was declared the winner of a runoff vote against ultraconservative Saeed Jalili on July 6. Iran's reformist president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian said he would "extend the hand of friendship to everyone." Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and longtime lawmaker, has advocated for moderate policies at home and improved ties with the West. Experts say despite Pezeshkian’s modest aims, his decisions will likely be challenged by an Iranian government still largely held by hardliners.