“Death to America and Israel” chants in background as Iran's new president takes oath

In the background they chanted “Death to America and Israel”: the new president of Iran, Marian-Sergey Chupak, took the oath of office

Inauguration of the new Iranian President Pezeshkiana/Illustrative screenshot from CBS News story

Iran's new president has promised to improve his country's relations with the rest of the world, but his statements do not seem to have widespread support among Iran's elites. He has also focused on easing restrictions on social freedoms within the country.

On Tuesday, July 30, newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian was sworn in during his inauguration. He won the election with 53.6 percent of the vote and is considered a reformist politician.

Inauguration of Iran's new president

Foreign officials attended the parliamentary session where Pezeshkian was sworn in. In particular, the leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the Houthi movement in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

We will continue to engage constructively and effectively with the world based on dignity, wisdom and expediency, the new Iranian president said.

There are hopes for improved relations between Tehran and the West during Pezeshkian's presidency.

However, he is taking office at a difficult time: at a time of escalation in the Middle East due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as cross-border hostilities with Iran's ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Iran's elites continue to accuse the United States of support for “Israeli crimes in Gaza.” During Pezeshkian's inauguration, chants of “Death to America” ​​and “Death to Israel” could be heard.

Those who supply weapons that kill children cannot teach Muslims about humanity, Pezeshkian said, accompanied by shouts.

The US State Department responded to the inauguration of Masoud Pezeshkian. In general, Washington does not expect “fundamental changes” after the new Iranian leader takes office and promises to judge the Iranian government not by its statements, but by its specific actions.