Iran Swears In President Ebrahim Raisi as Unease Grows in West

For the initially time in many years, all branches of power in Iran are beneath the control of hard-liners right after a protégé of the supreme chief was sworn in as president, bolstering their power and including to expanding unease that the Islamic Republic’s relations with the West could worsen.

President Ebrahim Raisi, sixty many years outdated, studied as a young man at 1 of Supreme Chief Ali Khamenei’s Islamic seminaries. He also served on a panel that purchased the execution of 1000’s of political prisoners. Afterwards, he moved up via the ranks to guide Iran’s judiciary.

His inauguration Thursday, right after an election in which most of his rivals have been disqualified, is set to consolidate power among hard-line loyalists of Mr. Khamenei just as Iran and the West are attempting to revive a offer that boundaries Tehran’s nuclear capabilities.

It is expected to be a important change from the past 3 many years. Iran’s the latest presidents, regardless of their political bent, often staked out their personal coverage priorities, while the supreme chief often experienced the last say on vital matters of point out, such as the nuclear method.

Analysts say Mr. Khamenei, eighty two, as a substitute appears to be targeted on curtailing infighting and preserving what he sees as the tenets of the 1979 Islamic Revolution as he ages and Iran’s sanctions-strike economic system will come beneath expanding tension.