US-Sanctioned Vahid Haghanian Enters Race for Iran’s Next President After Raisi

Former Revolutionary Guards commander Vahid Haghanian, who has been sanctioned by the US, is among the candidates who registered on Saturday to compete for Iran’s presidency following the tragic death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, as reported by state media.

Haghanian, known for his close ties to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, emphasized his 45 years of experience serving in various presidential and leadership roles as his key qualifications during his registration. However, the US Treasury had designated Haghanian in 2019 as part of Khamenei’s “inner circle responsible for advancing…domestic and foreign oppression.”

Iran has consistently rejected most US sanctions, labeling them as unfounded accusations.

Other notable candidates who registered include former parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani, a prominent conservative, and Abdolnaser Hemmati, a former central bank governor.

According to election officials, 12 hopefuls have registered since the registration process opened on Thursday, with the Guardian Council set to publish the list of qualified candidates on June 11.

Raisi’s untimely death has sparked a competition among hardliners to influence the selection of Iran’s next leader. The Guardian Council, a clerical-led body, will vet candidates running for the presidency after the five-day registration period. Moderate politicians have criticized the Council for allegedly disqualifying rivals to hardline candidates, who are expected to dominate the race.

Concerns have been raised about potential low turnout due to restricted choices on the ballot and rising discontent over various political, social, and economic challenges.

While Supreme Leader Khamenei holds ultimate authority over state matters, including nuclear and foreign policies, the elected president will be tasked with addressing the country’s worsening economic difficulties.

Noteworthy figures like Saeed Jalili, a former chief nuclear negotiator, and Mohammad Mokhber, the interim President, have been mentioned in media discussions as possible candidates. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, another former Revolutionary Guards commander who was considered a potential candidate, was recently re-elected as the speaker of parliament, indicating a reduced likelihood of his presidential candidacy.