History of Masoud Pezeshkian in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 31, 2026

Masoud Pezeshkian is an Iranian reformist politician and former heart surgeon. He became the ninth president of Iran in 2024 at the age of 69. His background as a surgeon differentiates him, while his reformist political alignment positions him within Iran's political landscape.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

September 1954: Masoud Pezeshkian born

Masoud Pezeshkian was born in September 1954.

September 1954: Born in Mahabad, West Azerbaijan

On September 29, 1954, Masoud Pezeshkian was born in Mahabad, West Azerbaijan.

1973: Served conscription duty in Zabol

In 1973, Masoud Pezeshkian received his diploma and moved to Zabol to serve his conscription duty, during which he became interested in medicine.

1980: Visited front lines during Iran-Iraq War

Beginning in 1980, during the Iran-Iraq War, Masoud Pezeshkian visited the front lines to send medical teams and work as a doctor and fighter.

1980: Served as a doctor in the Iran-Iraq War

In 1980, Masoud Pezeshkian served as a doctor for Iranian soldiers during the Iran-Iraq War.

1985: Finished general practitioner course

In 1985, Pezeshkian finished his general practitioner course and started teaching physiology at the medical college.

1988: End of Iran-Iraq war duties

In 1988, Pezeshkian's responsibilities relating to the Iran-Iraq war ended.

1988: End of service in the Iran-Iraq War

In 1988, the Iran-Iraq War concluded, marking the end of Masoud Pezeshkian's service as a doctor in the conflict.

1993: Received subspecialty in cardiac surgery

In 1993, Pezeshkian received a subspecialty in cardiac surgery from Iran University of Medical Sciences.

1994: Became president of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences

In 1994, Pezeshkian became the president of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.

1994: Death of wife and son in car crash

In 1994, Pezeshkian's wife, who was a gynecologist, and their youngest son died in a car crash. He subsequently raised his remaining two sons and daughter alone and never remarried.

1997: Joined Mohammad Khatami's administration

In 1997, Masoud Pezeshkian began his political career by joining Mohammad Khatami's administration as Deputy Health Minister.

1999: End of term as president of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences

In 1999, Pezeshkian's term as president of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences concluded.

2001: Served as Minister of Health and Medical Education

From 2001, Masoud Pezeshkian served as the Minister of Health and Medical Education.

2001: Became Iranian Health Minister

In 2001, Masoud Pezeshkian became the Iranian Health Minister.

2005: End of term as Minister of Health and Medical Education

In 2005, Masoud Pezeshkian's term as Minister of Health and Medical Education concluded.

2005: End of term as Iranian Health Minister

In 2005, Masoud Pezeshkian's term as the Iranian Health Minister ended.

2008: Elected to Parliament

In 2008, Masoud Pezeshkian was elected to the Iranian Parliament, representing Tabriz, Osku, and Azarshahr.

2013: Withdrew from the presidential election

In 2013, Masoud Pezeshkian enrolled in the presidential elections, but later withdrew his candidacy.

2015: Agreement with world powers in 2015

In 2015, Iran reached an agreement with the U.S. and other world powers regarding its nuclear program, in exchange for lifting international sanctions.

2016: Became First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament

In 2016, Masoud Pezeshkian became the First Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament.

2020: End of term as First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament

In 2020, Masoud Pezeshkian's term as First Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament ended.

2021: Rejected from running in presidential election

In 2021, Masoud Pezeshkian enrolled in the presidential elections but was rejected from running.

June 2024: Wore IRGC uniform at university meeting

In June 2024, during a university meeting, Masoud Pezeshkian put on an IRGC uniform in response to criticisms, stating that the IRGC is the reason for the country remaining unified.

July 2024: Elected President of Iran

In July 2024, Masoud Pezeshkian was elected as the president of Iran after winning the July 5 run-off election.

July 2024: Urged reconsideration of attack on Israel

In July 2024, following Iran's threats to attack Israel, Pezeshkian urged Khamenei to reconsider, warning of severe consequences to Iran's economy and infrastructure.

August 2024: Cabinet announced and approved

In August 2024, Pezeshkian's cabinet was announced, followed by Zarif's resignation and the parliament's approval of the entire cabinet.

September 2024: First international visit to Iraq as President

In September 2024, Masoud Pezeshkian made his first international visit as president to Iraq, amidst worsening relations between Iran and the United States.

September 2024: Expressed willingness to ease hostilities with Israel

On September 23, 2024, following explosions of pagers carried by Hezbollah members, Pezeshkian stated that Iran was willing to ease hostilities in return for Israel doing the same.

September 2024: Addressed UN General Assembly

On September 24, 2024, Pezeshkian addressed the UN General Assembly, expressing a desire to open a 'constructive chapter' in Iran's international relations and willingness to engage with Western powers regarding its nuclear program.

October 2024: Presided over Iranian strikes on Israel

In October 2024, President Pezeshkian presided over Iranian strikes on Israel as a response to the assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, as well as an Iranian military officer.

October 2024: Iran launched missiles against Israel

On October 1, 2024 Iran launched missiles against Israel in response to Israel assassinating commander Abbas Nilforoushan and invading southern Lebanon.

2024: Victory in Presidential Election and Congratulatory Messages

Following Pezeshkian's victory in the 2024 presidential election, Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) sent congratulatory messages, with MBS emphasizing a desire to develop and deepen relations between the two countries.

2024: Serves as the ninth president of Iran

In 2024, Masoud Pezeshkian became the ninth president of Iran.

2024: Elected president of Iran

In 2024, Masoud Pezeshkian won the presidential election.

2024: End of term in the Iranian Parliament

In 2024, Masoud Pezeshkian's term in the Iranian parliament ended.

January 2025: Signing of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty

In January 2025, Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty in Moscow.

June 2025: Escalation of tensions into the Twelve-Day War

In June 2025, tensions between Iran and Israel escalated into the Twelve-Day War, during which an unsuccessful attempt on President Pezeshkian's life was made.

June 2025: Israel launched airstrikes against Iran

On June 13, 2025, Israel launched airstrikes against Iran, marking the beginning of the Twelve-Day War. On June 16, intelligence sources confirmed that Israeli forces attempted to assassinate Pezeshkian.

October 2025: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty Enters into Force

On October 2025, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Iran and Russia officially entered into force.

2025: Conciliatory interview during protests

During the 2025 Iranian protests, Masoud Pezeshkian gave a televised interview that struck a conciliatory tone, committing to addressing economic challenges and blaming the U.S. and Israel for inciting unrest.

January 2026: Phone Call with MBS to Discuss Regional Stability

In late January 2026, Pezeshkian and MBS held a critical phone call to discuss regional stability following the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the region, where MBS emphasized that Saudi Arabia would not allow its territory or airspace to be used for military actions against Iran.

February 2026: Condemned joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran

On February 28, 2026, Pezeshkian condemned the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, characterizing the attacks as a 'blatant violation' of humanitarian principles.

March 2026: Selected for Interim Leadership Council

Following the assassination of Ali Khamenei on March 1, 2026, Masoud Pezeshkian was selected to serve on the Interim Leadership Council.

March 2026: Apologized for retaliatory missile attacks

On March 7, 2026, Masoud Pezeshkian apologized to neighboring countries for retaliatory Iranian missile attacks. He also rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's demand for Iran's "unconditional surrender".

2026: Conciliatory interview during protests

During the 2026 Iranian protests, Masoud Pezeshkian gave a televised interview that struck a conciliatory tone, committing to addressing economic challenges and blaming the U.S. and Israel for inciting unrest.