Pezeshkian Emphasizes Support for 'Resistance' Groups in the Middle East

Iranian media has reported that Masoud Pezeshkian, the winner of the 14th presidential election, emphasized support for Iran's proxy groups and strengthening relations with Russia. On Monday, July 9, in a message to Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah Lebanon, which is a response to his congratulatory message, Pezeshkian referred to the Islamic Republic's backing of 'resistance' and stated that this support 'will continue with strength.' Iranian officials have labeled Iran's proxy groups in the Middle East, such as Hezbollah Lebanon, the extremist group Hamas, the Houthis in Yemen, and Shiite militia groups in Iraq, as the 'axis of resistance.' The newly elected president of Iran also accused Israel of implementing 'war-mongering and criminal policies' against Palestinians and other nations in the Middle East. Reuters noted that this statement indicates that Iran's regional policies under the 'almost moderate' government of Masoud Pezeshkian will remain 'unchanged.' Furthermore, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, congratulated the Iranian election winner in a phone call and invited him to participate in the next BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. According to ISNA, Masoud Pezeshkian stated in this phone conversation: 'We place great importance on our relations with our friendly neighbor, Russia, and undoubtedly, we will strengthen these relations.' He emphasized bilateral cooperation between Tehran and Moscow in organizations and agreements such as Shanghai, BRICS, and Eurasia. During his election campaign, although he stressed adherence to the general policies envisioned by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, he was a supporter of the Iran nuclear agreement known as 'JCPOA' and indirectly questioned the Eastward pivot policy of Ibrahim Raisi's government. He also called for Iran's accession to FATF and stated: 'The agreements we made with China and Russia, why don't they implement these understandings? Until we resolve our issues in international relations, they will not work with us.'