Iran's supreme leader nixes Ahmadinejad election hopes
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 26 September 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iran's supreme leader nixes Ahmadinejad election hopes, 26 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58189e02c.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 26, 2016
Former Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly told former President Mahmud Ahmadinejad not to run for president in an election scheduled for next year.
Iran's IRNA state news agency reported on September 26 that Khamenei told Ahmadinejad that it "is not in his interest or that of the country" for him to run again.
The staunchly conservative Ahmadinejad was first elected in 2005 and was reelected in a highly controversial vote in 2009.
He has made several high-profile speeches in recent months, sparking speculation that he might seek the presidency again.
Another possible rival to incumbent President Hassan Rohani – Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) commander Qassem Soleimani – said earlier this month that he would not participate in the election.
Based on reporting by Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
