Reuters. Iran’s presidential candidates faced off in a debate on Monday (July 1) clashing over foreign policy and economic reform just days before the two men will face a run-off election on July 5.
Saeed Jalili, a zealous ideologue loyal to Iran’s supreme leader went head to head with his more moderate opponent Massoud Pezeshkian, who is backing women’s rights, more social freedoms, and cautious detente with the West.
Jalili plans to resolve the country’s social, political and economic ills by adhering rigidly to the hardline ideals of the 1979 Islamic Revolution if he wins.
However, under Iran’s dual system of clerical and republican rule the power to shape key state policies including foreign and nuclear affairs ultimately rests with Khamenei.
As a result, many voters are skeptical whether either of the candidates can keep their campaign promises.
Pezeshkian narrowly beat hardline Jalili for first place in Friday’s first round vote.