ELECTIONS IN IRAN

THE INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF HASSAN ROUHANI'S VICTORY

Iran's re-elected president Hassan Rouhani


Rouhani, a mild-mannered member of the establishment has won the Iranian presidential elections.  A reformist, he was the choice of the young, urban voters.
The likely implications of his victory are:
1. Greater political freedom at home and better relations with the outside world.
2. The moderate political policies that paved the way for the landmark 2015 nuclear deal are likely to continue.
3. Relief won from some sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear program are likely to continue in place.
4. Rouhani may need to navigate a tricky relationship with Washington, which appears ambivalent about the nuclear accord signed by former US president Barack Obama.


However, it is as well that Rouhani's nearest challenger, hard line cleric Ebrahim Raisi did not win.

Joyful voters cast their ballots for the presidential election at a polling station in Tehran, Iran, Friday