TEHRAN: Former Iranian parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani on Friday submitted his candidacy for an early Presidential election next month following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, state media reported.
Larijani, an adviser and close ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told journalists that he would focus on fixing the economic issues faced by Iranians due to sanctions while maintaining a strong defense.
Larijani was stopped from contesting the 2021 presidential race by the Guardian Council. Western media reported that Larijani decided to run after he was assured by top officials that he would not be disqualified by the council.
Abdolnaser Hemmati, a former central bank governor, is among other candidates who registered on Friday. Hemmati, also ran in the 2021 presidential election.
Iran on Thursday began the registration of candidates for the June 28 Presidential election.
After a five-day registration period, the Guardian Council will finalize candidates running for the presidency. Moderate politicians in the country have accused the 12-member body of disqualifying rivals to hardline candidates, who are expected to dominate the presidential race.
Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali has the final say on all state issues such as nuclear and foreign policies. However, the elected president of the country will be in charge of handling worsening economic hardship.
Saeed Jalili, a former chief nuclear negotiator was the first to register for the election on Thursday.
Jalili had made an unsuccessful attempt in 2013 for the presidency and withdrew from the 2021 race to support Ebrahim Raisi.
Iranian media reported that Interim President Mohammad Mokhber could also be a possible candidate.
