Ebrahim Raisi’s election in Tehran risks escalating strife with Iran’s global and regional adversaries. But there is also the chance that, under his leadership, he will have the scope to smooth the friction with foreign foes. The victory of Ebrahim Raisi, the current chief justice of Iran, in the recent presidential election went along expected lines. As the favourite of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an experienced insider supported by key state institutions of the Islamic Republic, and a cleric with a huge following among conservative Iranian citizens, Raisi’s ascent to the high office was no surprise. With the 82-year-old Khamenei looking to steer his political succession and consolidate the Iranian state structure, he took no chances, and ensured Raisi came out on top.