The 2021 Iranian presidential elections are scheduled to be held soon. Under the Iranian constitution, Hassan Rouhani, the incumbent president, is ineligible to run for re-election as he was limited to two terms, which means that the succeeding President will be a new candidate, prompting several predictions about the inevitable change in Iran’s policies.
This election is particularly impactful since it comes at a time when Iran is at a headway. Decisions made at this time can change the trajectory of Iran’s course completely for the next four years. How the next Iranian president will negotiate with US President Joe Biden over the Iran deal right now is crucial in determining the new US administration’s approach with Iran.
The longstanding Middle East cold war might also finally be slowing down, as three weeks ago, Iran’s foreign ministry stated for the first time that talks have been held with regional rival Saudi Arabia. While an Iranian President does not have complete power, considering the ultimate authority lies with the Supreme Leader, if Rouhani’s successor takes a calm and conciliatory approach, it can go a long way in reducing hostilities in the region, and in resolving Iran’s catastrophic economic crisis brought about because of debilitating sanctions and the pandemic.
While in all likelihood, it appears that a ‘hardliner’ will replace Rouhani—with Chief Justice of Iran Ebrahim Raisi leading the polls—it is important for Pakistan to keep up active engagement with the next president. A stable Iran is crucial for Pakistan and the region. Pakistan and Iran share several outstanding border trespass and smuggling issues, for which economic cooperation and regional connectivity is required. Pakistan is also poised to play its role in seeking rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran—for that, constant engagement and a closer friendship with both sides is needed.