Iran’s New Parliament Heralds Conservative Consolidation

Conservatives won big in Iran’s February legislative election

Disqualification of rivals, low turnout and coordination among factions may portend their victory in the 2021 presidential contest as well.

Should an opportunity arise to reduce U.S.-Iranian tensions between now and then, it should be seized.

Iran inaugurated a conservative-dominated parliament (Majles) on 27 May, following an election that saw a historically low participation rate.

Against the backdrop of recurrent domestic unrest, economic hardship, the COVID-19 pandemic and elevated tensions with the U.S., what happens in the…