Reformist President Brings Hope of Diplomatic Opening for Iran The recent election of Masoud Pezeshkian as Iran's president has raised expectations of a shift towards a more moderate foreign policy. Despite his limited experience in international affairs, Pezeshkian has vowed to empower Iran's top diplomats and pursue warmer relations with the West. However, the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, holds the ultimate authority in foreign policy decisions, and the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps oversees military matters. While Iran's foreign policies have become increasingly hard-line in recent years, analysts believe that Pezeshkian's presidency could lead to a diplomatic breakthrough. He aims to engage with the world and ease relations with the West, advocating for international engagement and an end to sanctions. However, he also warns against excessive reliance on alliances with Russia and China, fearing Iran's further isolation. The revival of the 2015 nuclear deal, a key test of Iran's interest in diplomacy with the West, is complicated by the impact of former President Donald J. Trump's candidacy. Despite Pezeshkian's potential for pragmatic decision-making, the supreme leader's influence and the ongoing tensions with the United States will limit the new president's scope for foreign policy initiatives. The prospects for a new diplomatic chapter in Iran's international relations are uncertain, as the balance between pragmatism and ideological norms set by the supreme leader will shape the future of the country's foreign policy.