Iran's Guardian Council Approves Presidential Candidates After President's Death

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announces his vice presidential candidate in Oakland

The Guardian Council of Iran has approved the country's hard-line parliament speaker and five other candidates to run in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for June 28. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of President Ebrahim Raisi and seven others. Notably, former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been barred from running in the election.

The approved candidates will now engage in a two-week campaign period to replace Raisi, who was a staunch protege of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The selection of candidates by the Guardian Council indicates a strategic move by Iran's Shiite theocracy to navigate through recent low-turnout elections and ongoing tensions surrounding the country's nuclear program and regional conflicts.

The upcoming campaign is expected to feature televised debates, billboard advertisements, and stump speeches by the candidates. While promises of improving the country's economic situation are being made, specific policy proposals are yet to be outlined. The issue of Iran's nuclear program, which faces international sanctions, remains a key concern.

Former President Ahmadinejad barred from running in upcoming election.

Iran's hard-line parliament speaker and five others approved for presidential election.

Candidates to engage in two-week campaign period following approval.

One of the prominent candidates is Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, a former Tehran mayor with ties to the Revolutionary Guard. However, Qalibaf's past involvement in crackdowns on student protests raises questions about his candidacy. The disqualification of Ahmadinejad, known for his controversial tenure and crackdown on dissent, underscores the restrictive nature of the election process.

The election occurs amidst heightened tensions between Iran and the West, exacerbated by Iran's involvement in regional conflicts and support for proxy forces. The recent tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Raisi and other officials has added a somber tone to the political landscape in Iran.

As the country prepares for a new presidential leader, the outcome of the election will have significant implications for Iran's domestic and foreign policies. The legacy of President Raisi, who is the second Iranian president to die in office, looms large over the upcoming electoral process.