Something better than nothing in Iran

Iran may have the world’s shallowest deep state. While the true power centre of the clergy is, indeed, headed by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, last week’s presidential election that brought Masoud Pezeshkian to the top ‘secular’ post is more than plain optics. The former health minister’s reformist credentials are relative, sure. But West Asia in general, and Iran in particular, could do with some relative progress. Pezeshkian has stated he wants to improve relations with the West. He has spoken about the need to loosen civic orthodoxy, and publicly has opposed the mandatory nature of the hijab rule. How far he will succeed will depend on his relations with head of state Khamenei, and response from the West.

The US, as part of knee-jerk diplomacy, has described the elections as not being free, making the new Iranian president fruit of a poisonous tree in Washington’s eye. Neither have other Western/G7 countries welcomed the new president. Elections in Iran are, indeed, a controlled affair. Candidates are approved by the Guardian Council, a body of clerics and jurists mostly appointed by the supreme leader. The council rejected the candidacy of reformists like the popular Mahmoud Sadeghi, a Khamenei critic. That Pezeshkian’s candidature was approved, after being rejected for the 2021 elections, is indicative of a bigger play.

The next four years are important. Khamenei, 85, will have to name a successor soon. With a shallow bench to choose from, ending Iran’s isolation is likely to worsen under a possible US president Donald Trump. The EU, working with partners like India, can open up communication lines. Engaging with a not-so-perfect Tehran makes more sense than being incommunicado. It could stop pushing Iran closer into China-Russia’s arms.