The race for Iran’s presidency is heating up as parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and five other conservatives have been approved to run in the upcoming snap vote on June 28. This comes after the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, prompting the election to be moved up from 2025.
Among the approved candidates are former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani, while notable figures like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Ali Larijani were disqualified. Ghalibaf, a seasoned politician with a military background, has been a prominent figure in Iranian politics for years, having previously run for president in 2005, 2013, and 2017.
The sudden vacancy in the presidency has led to a flurry of activity in the political landscape, with candidates from various factions vying for the top position. The upcoming election is expected to focus on key issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, economic challenges, and the country’s relationship with the international community.
As the campaign kicks into high gear, debates and discussions are set to take place to engage voters and address pressing issues facing the nation. With turnout in recent elections on the decline, the outcome of this election will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
Stay tuned for more updates as the race for Iran’s presidency unfolds in the coming weeks.