Iran's Presidential Race Intensifies with Hard-line Candidates

Former Presidents Qalibaf and Ahmadinejad lead the field amid ongoing economic and political tensions.

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a former Tehran mayor, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a former president, have both registered for the June 28 election.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's speech hinted at support for Qalibaf, though Ahmadinejad remains a polarizing figure.
The election follows the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month.
Iran faces internal unrest over economic struggles and protests, as well as external pressures regarding its nuclear program and regional militancy.
The Guardian Council will finalize the list of candidates by June 12, with a two-week campaign period to follow.