Ultraconservative Candidates Exit Iran Presidential Race
Two ultraconservative candidates have withdrawn from Iran’s presidential election, leaving four contenders including one reformist in the race. Tehran’s ultraconservative mayor, Alireza Zakani, announced his withdrawal on social media, urging unity among remaining conservative candidates.
The withdrawal of Amirhossein Ghazizadeh-Hashemi, another ultraconservative, was confirmed by the Interior Ministry. Ghazizadeh-Hashemi, a former vice-president, did not endorse any candidate upon withdrawal.
The remaining candidates include veteran politician Mostafa Pourmohammadi, cleric Saeed Jalili, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and the reformist Massoud Pezeshkian, supported by former president Hassan Rouhani.
This unexpected development highlights the competition within the conservative and ultraconservative factions in Iran’s politics. Stay tuned for updates on the outcome of the presidential election.