Iran’s former top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili congratulated his rival Masoud Pezeshkian on his victory in the country’s presidential runoff.
Earlier, electoral authority spokesman Mohsen Eslami confirmed that Pezeshkian received more than 16 million votes and Jalili more than 13 million out of about 30 million votes cast, adding that voter turnout stood at 49.8%.
“By gaining a majority of the votes cast on Friday, Pezeshkian has become Iran’s next president,” the Iranian Interior Ministry also announced.
In a message, Jalili described the transparent elections as once again demonstrating the democratic nature of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“Now, it is time for all people in the country to assist the president-elect Pezeshkian to advance the enhance the country’s status on the international stage,” he pointed out.
Pezeshkian extends ‘hand of friendship’ to everyone, thanks people
In his first speech following his declaration as the winner in the runoff election, Pezeshkian promised to “extend the hand of friendship to everyone.”
On national television, he spoke to the people saying, “We will extend the hand of friendship to everyone; we are all people of this country; we should use everyone for the progress of the country.”
He later posted on X to thank the Iranian people.
“Dear people of Iran, the elections are over and this is just the beginning of our togetherness. The difficult path ahead will not be smooth except with your companionship, empathy and trust. I extend my hand to you and I swear on my honor that I will not leave you alone on this path. Don’t leave me alone.”
Source: AlMayadeen
