The reformist candidate for the emergency presidential elections in Iran, Masoud Beizakian, published a photo of his participation in a group prayer led by chief nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi, alongside former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, former President Hassan Rouhani's assistant, and member of the nuclear negotiation team Majid Takht-Ravanchi. Observers noted that Beizakian sent both internal and external messages through the image, as it reflects the composition of his future government. According to analysts, the picture aims to emphasize his desire to move beyond the nuclear file impasse, which could reassure the international community of his government's seriousness on this matter. This image may also serve as Beizakian's promise to the Iranian public that reaching an agreement on nuclear issues will put an end to the economic crisis.
According to media outlets close to the reformists, this group prayer took place prior to a televised "political roundtable." Beizakian appointed Mohammad Javad Zarif as his advisor on foreign policy. The presence of Araqchi and Takht-Ravanchi reinforces that Iran will continue nuclear negotiations from where they were left off during the presidency of Hassan Rouhani.
On Wednesday, Zarif attended a large student gathering with Beizakian at Isfahan University in central Iran, promising the people of Isfahan to promote foreign tourism with Zarif's help and stated, "With Dr. Zarif's presence, doors should be opened for tourists to come to Iran." It is noteworthy that Isfahan is considered the most prominent tourist city in Iran, housing important mosques, architectures, and historical landmarks.
In a related context, the former Minister of Communications under Rouhani, Azari Jahromi, shared a picture with candidate Beizakian. It is worth mentioning that Azari Jahromi consistently criticized President Ebrahim Raisi's government policies in the communications sector, particularly regarding the internet.
