TEHRAN – Conservative rivals of reformist Masoud Pezeshkian who won Iran’s July 5 runoff elections have congratulated him on becoming the next Iranian president.

Pezesehkian’s opponent in the second round of the presidential race, Saeed Jalili, hailed the participation of Iranian voters before stating that it is now everyone’s “responsibility” to respect and aid the president-elect. 

“The great nation of Iran, in widespread participation and serious competition, once again demonstrated the steadfastness and the depth of the people's religious democracy and the republic system in a healthy and safe environment. Now it is everyone's responsibility to respect the elected by the people and support them in advancing the country and elevating the sacred system of the Islamic Republic,” he said in a statement released on Saturday. 

Another conservative candidate and current parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said he would make sure that the Iranian parliament would help Pezeshkian’s administration in managing the country. “Parliament will do everything in its power to show support,” he said

Tehran mayor Alireza Zakani also congratulated the reformist winner, saying he is ready to share his devised plans with Pezeshkian, which he claimed were crafted with the help of intellectuals.