Iranians are voting in a presidential runoff. What will it mean for the world?

Iran’s snap presidential election will head to a second vote on Friday after none of the initial four candidates secured more than 50% of the vote. Reformist lawmaker Masoud Pezeshkian and ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili emerged as the two candidates with the most votes. The first round saw the lowest voter turnout since 1979, highlighting the discontent among the population. Pezeshkian and Jalili represent opposing ends of the political spectrum and have different approaches to Iran’s domestic and international problems. The second round is expected to have an impact on Iran and the world.

Key Points:

• The snap election was held following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and resulted in a 40% turnout.
• Shifts are taking place among voters, with some conservatives showing support for Pezeshkian.
• The split among conservatives indicates divisions within different camps.
• A win for Pezeshkian could mean more radical rhetoric and appeals to minorities, women, and the youth.
• Pezeshkian has criticized the regime’s handling of protests and calls for dialogue with the West to end sanctions.
• Jalili emphasizes not relying on the West and turning Western threats into opportunities.
• The influence of the president in Iran is limited, but they play a role in implementing foreign policy.
• A reformist president is unlikely to change Iran’s core policies towards Hezbollah and Israel, but engagement with the West may improve.
• Jalili may bring more hardline policies to the table, possibly doubling down on his predecessor’s approach.