Newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian used the Ashura procession in Tehran to gain favor with hardline conservatives. This follows his promises to ease hijab laws and expand internet access for Iranians.
Over the past ten days, Pezeshkian has visited mosques and hussainiyas, meeting with religious leaders and processions to strengthen his support among conservatives in central and southern Tehran, including Azeri Turk religious sites.
His meetings targeted religious chanters and groups linked to notable politicians like Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Ashura was the first major religious event since Pezeshkian’s election, following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Conservative media expressed satisfaction with Pezeshkian’s speech.
Velayati gave Pezeshkian a symbolic white banner from a shrine, similar to one he had received from Revolutionary Guard leaders. Another banner was presented by Saeed Haddadian, a “Maddahi” reader close to the Supreme Leader’s office, with Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani present.
During the Ashura commemorations, Pezeshkian joined worshippers on Jomhouri Street, a key area in Tehran linking government and parliament sites. A widely shared video shows him chanting in a procession for Azeri Turks, his ethnic group.
Abdollah Kanji, editor-in-chief of Tehran’s Hamshahri newspaper, praised President-elect Pezeshkian for his talent in religious chanting, saying, “The president has a gift for religious chants. This is wonderful... Intellectuals, don’t be embarrassed... don't complain.”
The Jamaran website, linked to Ayatollah Khomeini’s foundation, saw Pezeshkian’s participation in Ashura ceremonies as a counter to the “sanctification of elections” and claims that his government leans toward “religious secularism.”
The site noted, “Pezeshkian’s presence among religious groups with unique political views is significant.”
The site added, “Pezeshkian aims for consensus, not pointless societal conflicts. Many problems require unity and empathy to solve. Over-glorifying elections can lead to lingering resentments.”
Reformist sites noted Pezeshkian attended at least 11 religious gatherings while his advisors are finalizing the cabinet lineup, expected to be presented to parliament by mid-August.
Five Working Groups
Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, head of the “Government Transition Committee,” reported on the formation of five committees tasked with evaluating candidates for 19 ministries, as well as deputies, presidential assistants, and heads of government-affiliated organizations.
The five working groups are:
Political, Defense, and Security Group: Evaluates candidates for the Ministries of Defense, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Intelligence, and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. Nominees need parliamentary approval.
Economic Group: Reviews candidates for the Ministries of Economy and Industry, the Central Bank, and the Planning and Budget Organization.
Infrastructure Group: Assesses nominees for the Ministries of Oil, Energy, Agriculture, Communications, Roads, and Urban Development.
Cultural Group: Considers candidates for the Ministries of Education, Higher Education, Culture and Media, Tourism, and Sports.
Social Group: Evaluates nominees for the Ministries of Welfare and Health, as well as organizations dealing with women's affairs, the Martyrs Foundation, the environment, and employment issues.
Zarif stated that each committee will propose three candidates for each position and has held nine meetings so far. However, no final decisions have been made, and current speculations are baseless.
