There were high expectations that Khatami planned major shake-ups among his top economic and political advisers. The goal could be a more dynamic and cohesive team that is less under the shadow of the conservatives. But it may not be easy. On Sunday, Khatami pledged to heed the election's message, led by Iran's overwhelming bloc of young voters. The hard-liners, for the moment, had little choice but to swallow the defeat at the polls.
All authorities are highly nervous about ideological divisions spilling over into violence.
Liberal activists have been arrested, and many pro-reform newspapers shut down. Khatami's strongest weapon has been his popularity. In the latest election, Khatami's 21.6 million votes exceeded the 20 million-vote benchmark from 1997. The landslide win brought a heavy responsibility. He doesn't have the option for trial and error anymore.