Iran’s hard-line former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad registered on Sunday as a candidate for the upcoming presidential election, aiming to reclaim the nation’s top political position following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.
Ahmadinejad’s decision to run puts pressure on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with whom he had openly clashed during his previous tenure. Authorities barred his attempt to run in the 2021 election.
The former president’s return to the political scene comes amidst heightened tensions between Iran and the West over Tehran’s advancing nuclear program, its involvement in the Ukraine conflict by arming Russia, and its suppression of domestic dissent.
Iran’s support for militia proxy forces in the Middle East, including Yemen’s Houthi rebels who recently attacked ships in the Red Sea, has also drawn increased scrutiny.
After his registration, Ahmadinejad promised “constructive engagement” with the world and better economic relations with all nations.
He declared, “Long live the spring, long live Iran!” to a crowd of supporters chanting and waving Iranian flags outside the Interior Ministry.
Ahmadinejad, 67, arrived at the ministry with a genuine welcome. He displayed his passport to dozens of photographers and video journalists.
His supporters chanted, “God is the greatest!” as he descended the ministry’s stairs.
The presidential election is scheduled for June 28 to replace President Raisi, who died in May along with seven others in a helicopter crash.
The incident has opened the political field to various contenders.
Former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, a conservative with ties to former President Hassan Rouhani, and former Iranian Central Bank chief Abdolnasser Hemmati, who also ran in 2021, have already registered. The field of candidates remains uncertain, with the potential candidacy of former reformist President Mohammad Khatami also in question.
The registration period for candidates will close on Tuesday, and the Guardian Council will issue the final list of candidates within ten days. This will allow for a brief two-week campaign before the late June vote.
Acting President Mohammad Mokhber, a former bureaucrat, is considered a front-runner, having already met with Khamenei. The political landscape in Iran remains fluid as candidates position themselves for the critical election.
©M10news 2024
