Masoud Pezeshkian, a 69yearold heart surgeon who wants to restart talks with the US over the landmark nuclear deal, was voted president of Iran after an election that underscored major challenges facing the country at home and abroad.

Pezeshkian beat hardline Islamist Saeed Jalili, 58, by almost 3 million votes in a runoff where the turnout of 49.8% was only marginally better than last week’s first round, according to officials.

It was among the lowest ever recorded for a presidential vote in Iran, highlighting the malaise and distrust in the political system overseen by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The US State Department called the low turnout a result of elections that were “not free or fair.”

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SOURCE: REUTERS

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