Former US-sanctioned Revolutionary Guards commander Vahid Haghanian has thrown his hat in the ring for Iran’s presidential election after Ebrahim Raisi’s tragic demise in a helicopter crash. Haghanian, a close ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, cited his 45 years of experience while registering as a candidate, despite being designated by the US Treasury in 2019.
Other notable contenders include conservative Ali Larijani and former central bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati. The Guardian Council will reveal the final list of candidates on June 11. Amid debates on gender equality, Zohreh Elahian, a conservative female politician, entered the race. The Guardian Council’s strict interpretation of Islamic laws has historically excluded women from the presidency.
Raisi’s unexpected death has led to a power struggle among hardliners vying for influence on the next Supreme Leader. Critics argue that the Guardian Council’s bias towards hardliners could diminish voter turnout and challenge the legitimacy of Iran’s ruling system. As Iran grapples with economic woes, choosing the right successor to address these issues becomes crucial.