The election of Hassan Rouhani is undoubtedly a victory for the two reformist ex-presidents, Hashemi Rafsanjani and Mohammad Khatami. The outcome of this election is expected to ease anxieties among the Iranian people — especially the youth — and possibly reduce some tensions in the region.
While some of the major issues and policies remain in the realm of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s authority, the overall outcome of the elections provides an opportunity to improve relations with the international community.