On June 28, Iranians went to the polls to elect their next president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi. Two candidates, a hardliner and a reformist, advanced to a runoff which will take place on July 5. Despite enjoying limited power, the Iranian president could have influence on many aspects of daily life in the Islamic Republic. With widespread political apathy, deep socio-economic problems, questions over who will succeed Iran’s 85-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and an aggressive Iranian foreign policy aimed at confronting both Israel and the United States, what will the runoff election mean for Iran and the region?
Speakers
Dr. Sanam Vakil
Author of Action and Reaction: Women and Politics in Iran
Director, Middle East and North Africa program, Chatham House
Alex Vatanka
Author of The Battle of the Ayatollahs in Iran: The United States, Foreign Policy, and Political Rivalry since 1979
Director, Iran Program, MEI