New president in Iran

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Context:

• The new president elect of Iran, having emphasised civil liberties, greater gender equality, and socio-economic development, as well as increased engagement with the international community, have many challenges ahead.

Challenges Ahead for the new president elect:

• US Sanctions and Relations with the West:
  • Iran has faced severe economic hardships due to US sanctions imposed since 1979, affecting sectors like oil exports and banking.
  • However he aims to negotiate with Western powers to lift sanctions, which have significantly impacted Iran's economy.
• Iran's Nuclear Program:
  • Challenges include international concerns over Iran's enrichment of uranium beyond JCPOA limits and its stockpile of enriched uranium.
  • Efforts to revive the JCPOA face opposition internally, particularly from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
• Economic Reforms and Inflation:
  • Iran's inflation rate for 2023 was 49%. Addressing high inflation rates and unemployment requires substantial economic reforms, including tackling corruption and improving economic management.
• Women's Rights and Social Policies:
  • Public outcry over social restrictions, aided by protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, highlights challenges in promoting greater personal freedoms.

Mahsa Amini was an Iranian woman whose arrest in Tehran for opposing mandatory hijab and subsequent death in police custody sparked a wave of protests throughout Iran.

• President elect supports reforms to advance women's rights, particularly concerning dress codes and social participation.
• Rights of Kurds and Minorities:
  • Commitment to improving economic conditions and cultural rights of Iranian Kurds and other minority groups.
  • He advocates for integrating Kurdish language and protecting cultural rights in education and public policy.

What India can expect from Iran's new President-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian:

• Economic Opportunities: New president elect aims to lift US sanctions, potentially restoring India-Iran trade relations, especially in oil and expanding economic ties.India might expect favourable terms for oil trade.
• Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Expect initiatives to boost cultural ties and educational collaborations, potentially including Persian language programs in Indian universities.
• Regional Stability: Pezeshkian's stance on regional stability may influence Iran's approach towards India-China relations, potentially affecting dynamics in South Asia. India could expect Iran playing a role in mitigating tensions or promoting dialogue between India and China.
• Broader connectivity: Iran under the new president is likely to support regional stability efforts, impacting areas like Afghanistan where India has interests. Continued support and maintenance of the Zaranj-Delaram Highway could be expected under the new president, benefiting India's connectivity initiatives in Afghanistan.
• Nuclear Deal Restoration: New president seeks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which could stabilise the region and influence India's strategic calculations.
• Counterterrorism Cooperation: Continued cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, enhancing intelligence sharing and joint actions against common threats.

Conclusion:

• New president elect’s views represent a shift towards reformist policies aimed at enhancing civil liberties, promoting gender equality, revitalising Iran's economy, and restoring international relations.
• However, achieving these goals will face significant challenges from conservative factions and international pressures, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program and economic sanctions.

For detailed study on India Iran relations and issues and way ahead, refer to the article:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/india-iran-relations-19

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/iran-five-things-pezeshkian-reformist-agenda-9442586/

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the challenges and opportunities for Iran under the leadership of President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian. Evaluate the implications of these reforms for regional stability and global diplomacy. ( 250 words)