Masoud Pezeshkian became the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran on July 28 after Ali Khamenei, the regime’s supreme leader, endorsed the result of the election. Pezeshkian’s predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi, died in a suspicious helicopter crash.

At a time when Iran is at the center of a growing conflict in the Middle East, Khamenei’s speech at the ceremony provides critical insights into his views, expectations, and strategic directions. His demand: continue Raisi’s legacy.