Masoud Pezeshkian sworn in as President of Iran (Photo: AP)

During a ceremony broadcast live on national television, Pezeshkian pledged to "protect the official religion, the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the country's constitution." He plans to announce the new government within two weeks.

Pezeshkian, 69, won the second round of Iran's presidential election on July 5. A reformer and heart surgeon, he previously served as Health Minister under President Mohammad Khatami from 2001 to 2005. Pezeshkian has called for "constructive relations" with Western countries to "bring Iran out of isolation" and supports the restoration of the historic nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Originally, Iran's next presidential election was scheduled for 2025. However, the election was moved forward following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19.