Iran (MNN) — Few expected the reformist wildcard Masoud Pezeshkian to win Iran’s presidential election run-off nine days ago. However, as reality sets in, “People are starting to dare to hope, but we have to wait and see,” says Lana Silk, the U.S. CEO of Transform Iran.
“I don’t think anyone doubts his intent. He’s probably the most ‘normal’ Iranian if you want to use those words, of all of those who ran for the office of president.”
Pezeshkian’s likeability could benefit Iran’s minorities, she adds. Plus, “he’s relatable,” Silk says.
“He is from one of the ethnic minorities; he’s a heart surgeon. When he announced his candidacy, he was holding his daughter’s hand.”
Whether his persona translates to positive changes for minorities remains to be seen. During his campaign, Pezeshkian called for more societal freedoms, but Iran’s Supreme Leader still has the final say.
“The ethnic minorities will be remembered by him because he is one of them. Whether he will be able to activate much in terms of his agenda remains to be seen,” Silk says.
“He was one of the ‘original’ crew that brought in the [1979] revolution. However, many of those who saw the revolution in 1979 were expecting something different from what they got. Whether he’ll be able to redress that and bring it back to what he had hoped Iran would be when he was bringing in this (Khamenei) regime” is in question, too.
Furthermore, “I’m interested to see how the ruling authorities deal with him, whether they will try to control him, silence him, or allow him a bit of space,” Silk continues.
“Iran is increasingly isolated on the global scale, and it doesn’t hurt to have somebody fronting the country with a softer touch, a softer look; maybe it will appease the West a little bit.”
Scripture mentions praying for those in authority in 1 Timothy 2. Pray that Pezeshkian will encounter the truth about Jesus and that his life will change.
“Paul tells us about this ‘unveiling’ that happens when people finally see the truth of the Gospel for what it is. Let’s pray for that to happen,” Silk says.
“Can you imagine if someone like the president of Iran meets with Jesus in his dreams and has a life-altering experience and the trajectory of his life has changed? And as a result, perhaps the trajectory of a country has changed. Let’s pray in faith for that kind of thing.”
Header image depicts president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian in the 2024 election debates. (Wikimedia Commons)
