President Masoud Pezeshkian Biography
Masoud Pezeshkian is an Iranian physician, former health minister, longtime parliamentarian and the ninth president of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Born in Mahabad in September 1954, he trained as a cardiothoracic surgeon before entering politics. He became president after winning Iran’s July 2024 runoff election and was sworn into office on July 30, 2024. He turned 72 on September 29, 2026.
Pezeshkian entered the presidency after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May 2024. His political career has included service in Iran’s parliament, leadership of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and a term as health minister under President Mohammad Khatami. His political identity has generally been associated with Iran’s reformist camp, although he has also emphasized loyalty to the Islamic Republic’s political system and Supreme Leader.
Early Life and Family Background
Masoud Pezeshkian was born in September 1954 in Mahabad, in Iran’s West Azerbaijan Province. His family background includes both Azeri and Kurdish heritage. His father was Azeri and his mother was Kurdish, and Pezeshkian has frequently spoken about his background while also emphasizing Iran’s national unity.
Before entering medicine, Pezeshkian completed compulsory military service. His experience serving in Zabul, one of the poorer parts of southeastern Iran at the time, has been described as influential in shaping his later interest in public service and social inequality.
Education and Medical Career
Pezeshkian trained as a medical doctor and later specialized in cardiovascular medicine. He became a cardiothoracic surgeon and eventually held senior academic and medical positions.
He later became president of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, one of the important medical institutions in northwestern Iran. His medical background remained an important part of his public identity after he entered politics.
During the Iran-Iraq War, Pezeshkian served as a doctor and was involved in medical work connected with the conflict. His career therefore combined medicine, university administration and public service before he moved fully into national politics.
Entry Into Politics
Pezeshkian entered national politics in the early 2000s. He served as Iran’s minister of health from 2001 to 2005 during the presidency of Mohammad Khatami. His previous experience managing a medical university contributed to his appointment to the health portfolio.
He subsequently became a member of Iran’s parliament, representing Tabriz. He first entered parliament in 2006 and continued to represent the city through several parliamentary terms. His legislative career made him a familiar figure in Iranian national politics well before his presidential campaign.
Pezeshkian also served as a deputy speaker of parliament, adding a senior legislative position to his earlier experience as a cabinet minister and medical administrator.
Presidential Campaigns
Pezeshkian had sought Iran’s presidency before 2024. He registered for the 2013 presidential election but withdrew from the contest. His candidacy was later rejected by Iran’s Guardian Council during the 2021 presidential election.
His political opportunity changed following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in 2024, which triggered an early presidential election.
Pezeshkian emerged as the main reformist candidate in the 2024 contest. In the first round, no candidate secured the required majority, leading to a runoff between Pezeshkian and conservative candidate Saeed Jalili.
Pezeshkian won the July 5, 2024 runoff with 53.66% of the vote, according to results reported after the election. He was subsequently sworn in as president on July 30.
Presidency of Iran
Masoud Pezeshkian became Iran’s ninth president in July 2024. His campaign emphasized what he described as national unity and a less confrontational approach to some domestic and international issues.
The UK House of Commons Library described him during the 2024 campaign as a reformist-principalist who remained committed to the principles of the Islamic Republic while expressing positions that differed from some conservative politicians.
Among the issues associated with his campaign were economic problems linked to sanctions, relations with foreign governments and the enforcement of Iran’s mandatory dress rules. During the election campaign, he criticized the use of force in enforcing the hijab requirement and called for changes in aspects of government policy.
Foreign Policy and International Relations
Foreign policy has remained a major part of Pezeshkian’s presidency.
His government has sought diplomatic engagement while maintaining Iran’s established positions on sanctions, nuclear policy and regional security. In June 2026, Pezeshkian was involved in Iran’s diplomatic contacts surrounding a proposed framework for discussions with the United States. The subsequent conflict and negotiations became major issues in his presidency.
Iran’s relations with neighboring Azerbaijan have also remained an area of presidential diplomacy. In June 2026, Pezeshkian issued a message to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev emphasizing historical, cultural and linguistic connections between the two countries.
Pezeshkian and the 2026 Iran Conflict
In 2026, Pezeshkian’s presidency became closely associated with the continuing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
By September 2026, the conflict had become a central issue in Iran’s foreign policy. Pezeshkian travelled to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where he presented Iran’s position on the conflict and international relations. CBS reported that he arrived in New York on September 22 and was scheduled to address the UN.
On September 24, Reuters reported that Pezeshkian said the decision over when the conflict could end rested with the United States. His statement reflected the Iranian government’s position on responsibility for the continuation and possible conclusion of hostilities.
Pezeshkian also used his UN visit to defend Iran’s position and criticize US and Israeli actions. Iranian state media reported that he argued that international law and humanitarian principles were relevant to the conflict. These statements represent the Iranian government’s position and are not independent findings about the conflict.
Political Position
Pezeshkian is commonly described by international media and political analysts as a reformist within Iran’s political system. His political approach has included calls for greater national unity, economic reform and diplomatic engagement.
At the same time, his presidency operates within Iran’s constitutional system, where the Supreme Leader has extensive authority over major areas including national security and foreign policy. The UK Parliament’s research briefing noted that Pezeshkian has remained loyal to the Supreme Leader and the principles of the Islamic Republic even while advocating some policy changes.
Personal Life
Pezeshkian married a fellow medical student, who was a trained gynecologist. His wife and one of their sons died in a road accident approximately three decades ago. He did not remarry and subsequently raised his remaining children.
His daughter Zahra Pezeshkian, who has a master’s degree in chemistry, has occasionally appeared alongside him in public and during his presidential campaign.
Masoud Pezeshkian FAQs
How old is Masoud Pezeshkian?
Masoud Pezeshkian was born in September 1954 and turned 72 years old on September 29, 2026.
Who is Masoud Pezeshkian’s wife?
Pezeshkian’s wife was a trained gynecologist whom he met while studying medicine. She and their youngest son died in a road accident about three decades ago. Pezeshkian did not remarry and raised his surviving children.
What did Masoud Pezeshkian study?
Pezeshkian studied medicine and became a cardiothoracic surgeon. He later became a senior medical academic and served as president of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.
When did Masoud Pezeshkian become president of Iran?
He was elected in July 2024 and was sworn in as Iran’s president on July 30, 2024. He won the second round of the presidential election with 53.66% of the vote.
What was Masoud Pezeshkian’s job before becoming president?
Before becoming president, Pezeshkian was a physician and cardiothoracic surgeon, president of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran’s health minister and a member of parliament representing Tabriz.