Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Registers as Candidate for Iran’s Presidential Election

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has officially registered to run in the upcoming presidential election following the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Ahmadinejad’s candidacy marks a significant event in Iranian politics, given his contentious history and the current geopolitical context.

Ahmadinejad, known for his provocative statements and hardline stances, arrived at the Interior Ministry in Tehran to complete the registration process. Supporters greeted him with chants and national flags. The election is scheduled for June 28, and it will replace Raisi, who was considered a protégé of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Ahmadinejad’s previous tenure as president spanned from 2005 to 2013 and was marked by his contentious 2009 re-election, which led to widespread “Green Movement” protests. His last attempt to run in 2021 was blocked by the Guardian Council, a powerful body overseeing elections.

Other candidates who have registered for the election include former parliament speaker Ali Larijani and ex-Central Bank chief Abdolnasser Hemmati. The acting president, Mohammad Mokhber, and former reformist president Mohammad Khatami are also potential contenders.

The Guardian Council will finalize the candidate list within ten days of the registration period closing on Tuesday, setting the stage for a brief two-week campaign period before the election. Ahmadinejad’s re-entry into the political arena comes amidst heightened tensions between Iran and Western nations, particularly over its nuclear program and involvement in Ukraine.

This election follows a period of significant political transitions and continued unrest within Iran, making the upcoming vote a critical event for the nation’s future direction.