The complex political reality behind the electoral victory in Iran: power and limitations of President Pezeshkian.

The recent victory in the presidential elections of Masoud Pezeshkian in Iran has attracted international attention due to his promises of reforms and a potential opening to dialogue with the West. However, it is important to bear in mind that in Iran, unlike in most republics, the president is not the most powerful figure in the country. The true supreme leader in Iran is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds the highest political and military authority in the nation. At 85 years old, Khamenei has been the central figure in the Iranian government since 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini. The supreme leader has the authority to declare war and peace, mobilize the armed forces, as well as control the National Police and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, among other powers. Although the president in Iran is responsible for the daily management of the government and exerts influence on domestic and foreign affairs, their power is limited in security and defense matters, which fall under the direct jurisdiction of the supreme leader. Furthermore, both the president's activities and the government's decisions are subject to supervision by Khamenei and other bodies such as the Guardian Council and the Parliament. It is important to note that the Guardian Council, made up of clerics and jurists appointed by the supreme leader, has the authority to annul laws they deem contrary to the nation's official religious doctrine or the Constitution. This body also has the power to veto candidacies for elected positions, as it recently did with 74 presidential aspirants, including several women. Despite Pezeshkian's promises to relax government control over the internet and question the policy of the Islamic veil, the chances of implementing significant changes are hindered by the power concentrated in the hands of Ayatollah Khamenei. The latter has the ability to block any reform he deems a threat to the political system established in 1979, which combines democratic elements with theocratic ones. Recent history of Iran shows how previous reform attempts, such as those carried out by the moderate Mohammad Khatami, were nullified by the Guardian Council and the Judiciary, resulting in media censorship and detentions. Nevertheless, Pezeshkian's role could be crucial for the country's future, especially in the scenario of Khamenei's eventual passing, where he would participate in the assembly responsible for electing his successor as outlined in the Iranian Constitution. In summary, while the election of a reformist president in Iran raises expectations of change, the country's political reality shows that true power still lies in the hands of Ayatollah Khamenei and the institutions controlled by him. Pezeshkian's challenge will be to navigate a scenario where reforms can be blocked and where the influence of the supreme leader is decisive in the country's direction.