Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, the speaker of the Majles and a high-profile Principalist, said during a public meeting about Israel’s attacks on the Palestinians, that candidates in this election should be “careful in observing religious and moral standards, and refrain from destroying each other or making unfair claims against rivals”. Qalibaf added that this election was “an opportunity to build a strong Iran” which some have interpreted as being an endorsement of Ebrahim Raisi, whose campaign slogan is “a people’s government for a strong Iran”. Qalibaf was expected to nominate for the Presidency this year, but did not, as it is rumoured he told his faction he would not run if Ebrahim Raisi nominated.