Iranians Vote in Presidential Runoff Election

Iranians participated in a presidential runoff election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, with candidates Masoud Pezeshkian and Saeed Jalili contending. Pezeshkian, a reformist, advocates for unity and negotiations with Western powers, while Jalili, an ultraconservative, opposes rejoining the 2015 nuclear deal. The election follows low voter turnout in the first round and ongoing tensions in the Middle East, notably with Israel and Gaza. The runoff reflects deep-seated public apathy and mistrust towards the ruling establishment, with concerns about legitimacy and lack of opposition movements. The election outcome will shape Iran's future trajectory amid economic challenges and internal dissent.