Reports are circulating that the Reformist movement is placing their hope in the candidacy of Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif, as they do not believe any of their own candidates will be approved to run by the Guardian Council. Zarif has stated on several occasions that he will not participate in this election, although there is much speculation that he will change his mind.
Rumour of Vaccinations for Election Participants Denied
The advisor to the Minister for Health has denied a rumour circulating in cyberspace that vaccinations will be made available to those who participate in the elections. The rumour arose in the context of senior figures, such as the Supreme Leader, lobbying for increased participation in this year’s election, out of a fear of a low turnout.
TV and Film Actress Azadeh Namdari Found Dead
Controversial television personality Azadeh Namdari was found dead in her home in Saadatabad, Tehran. Namdari had been banned from Iranian screens following her appearance abroad without hijab. Potential candidate Ayatollah Seyyed Hassan Khomeini shared her image on Instagram with the words “Rest in Peace”.
Hardline Movement Calls on Jalili to Announce Candidacy
The hardline Front for Islamic Stability, linked to Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi, called up Saeed Jalili to announce his intention to run for president. Through their mouthpiece, RajaNews, they endorsed Jalili as capable of “reviving the Iranian dream” created by the Islamic Revolution.
Last Three Presidents were Like “Unwanted Pregnancy” for Iran
Mohsen Kouhkan, a prominent Principalist parliamentarian, likened the electoral victories of Rouhani, Ahmadinejad and Khatami to an unwanted pregnancy, using the analogy to mean that all three Presidents approach the elections only to win and had no plans for how to run their administrations.
Rafiqdoust: Ahmadinejad is a Political Outcaste
Prominent IRGC officer and economic liberal politician Mohsen Rafiqdoust stated that Ahmadinejad will not be allowed to run in this year’s election as he is a “political outcaste”. Rafiqdoust also expressed hope that Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf will not nominate as he is doing a good job as Parliamentary Speaker.
Ahmadinejad: Mousavi and Karroubi should be released
In a far ranging and combatative interview, Ahmadinejad stated that he was against the house arrest of Mousavi and Karroubi, both of whom have been held since disputing Ahmadinejad’s victory in 2009. Ahmadinejad refused to comment on whether he would run this year.
Chief of Police: No Expected Security Problems for the Election
Commander Hossein Ashtari, the Chief of Police in Iran, declared at a meeting in Qom that there are no anticipated security problems.
President of Iran: “Let’s keep our unity, let’s not destroy each other”
Outgoing President Rouhani urged the candidates and campaigners in this year’s election not to “destroy the government” through criticism of the current government.
Failed Assassination of Potential Candidate
Rumours began circulating on social media yesterday that an assassination attempt was made against senior IRGC advisor, Rostam Qasemi, during a visit to Lebanon. His son Morteza, using his father’s Twitter account, confirmed the attempt, saying his father was unharmed and will continue his official visit in Lebanon. Preliminary reports are accusing Israel.