Masoud Pezeshkian assumed the Iranian presidency in 2024, securing 16.3 million votes during a run-off election. At 69, he became the oldest individual to hold the office, marking a significant turn in his career after decades spent as a cardiac surgeon, parliamentarian, and health administrator within the Iranian political establishment.
Early Career and Medical Practice
Born in 1954 in Mahabad, Pezeshkian completed his medical training at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences before specializing in general and cardiac surgery at the Iran University of Medical Sciences. During the Iran–Iraq War, he served on the front lines as both a medical doctor and a combatant. His academic career included serving as president of the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences from 1994 to 1999.
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Pezeshkian transitioned into government in 1997 as Deputy Health Minister under Mohammad Khatami, later serving as Minister of Health and Medical Education from 2001 to 2005. He survived an impeachment vote in 2003 before returning to his medical practice. In 2008, he began the first of five terms as a member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, eventually serving as First Deputy Speaker from 2016 to 2020.
Presidency and Institutional Challenges
Following his 2024 inauguration, Pezeshkian navigated complex security tensions, including conflict with Israel and the assassination of Ali Khamenei in 2026. These events led to his role on the Interim Leadership Council. While he attempted to address economic sanctions and diplomatic nuclear agreements, his civilian administration faced operational constraints imposed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps regarding major security policy decisions.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Mahabad, Iran
- Education: Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences
- President of Iran: 2024
- Minister of Health: 2001-2005
- Languages: English, Persian, Azerbaijani, Arabic, Kurdish
- Awards: Order of Islamic Revolution, Magtymguly Pyragy medal
Questions readers ask
What medical specialty did Pezeshkian practice?
He was a trained general practitioner and a subspecialist in cardiac surgery.
Did Pezeshkian serve in the Iran-Iraq War?
Yes, he worked on the front lines as a doctor and a fighter between 1980 and 1988.
Achievements
- Member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (2008–2024)
- Minister of Health and Medical Education (2001–2005)
- President of Iran (from 2024)
- Deputy Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (2016–2020)
- Magtymguly Pyragy medal
- Order of Islamic Revolution — 2024
- Educated at Iran University of Medical Sciences and Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
