Iran’s hardline ex-president Mahmoud Ahmedinejad registers for presidential election after death of Ebrahim Raisi
- Firebrand Holocaust-questioning Mahmoud Ahmedinejad hopes to regain the country’s top political position after a helicopter crash killed the nation’s president
- His potential return comes at a time of heightened tension between Iran and the West over Tehran’s nuclear programme, its arming of Russia and its crackdown on dissent
Iran’s hardline former President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad registered Sunday as a possible candidate for this month’s presidential election, seeking to regain the country’s top political position after a helicopter crash killed the nation’s president.
The populist former leader’s registration puts pressure on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In office, Ahmadinejad openly challenged the 85-year-old cleric, and his attempt to run in 2021 was barred by authorities.
The firebrand, Holocaust-questioning politician’s return comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the West over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear programme, its arming of Russia in its war on Ukraine and its wide-reaching crackdowns on dissent.
Meanwhile, Iran’s support of militia proxy forces throughout the wider Mideast have been in increased focus as Yemen’s Houthi rebels attack ships in the Red Sea over the Israel-Gaza war in the Gaza Strip.
Ahmadinejad is the most prominent candidate to register so far. Speaking after his registration, he vowed to seek “constructive engagement” with the world and improved economic relations with all nations.
02:07
Iranian president dies in helicopter crash, raising questions about who will be next ruler
“The economic, political, cultural and security problems are beyond the situation in 2013,” Ahmadinejad said, referring to the year he left the presidency after two terms.
