Iran's Vice President Withdraws Candidacy from Presidential Elections

Iran's Vice President Amir Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi has announced that he is withdrawing his candidacy from the presidential elections. He made the corresponding statement on his page on X.

“In response to the request of the Coalition Council of Islamic Revolution Forces to maintain the unity of revolutionary forces, I have decided to discontinue my path and hope that my three brothers will seize the opportunity to unite and strengthen the revolutionary movement,” his message stated.

According to Ghazizadeh Hashemi, it is now his duty to “preserve the interests of the country.” At the end of his statement, he also expressed gratitude to the people of Iran, like-minded individuals, and the members of his campaign team, hoping that the country would continue on the political path chosen by the late President Ebrahim Raisi.

Early presidential elections in Iran are scheduled for June 28. Of the 80 individuals who submitted documents to participate in the presidential race, the Guardians Council of the Constitution selected only six candidates, one of whom was Vice President Ghazizadeh Hashemi.

On May 19, a helicopter crashed in the East Azerbaijan province in northern Iran, which was carrying President Raisi along with the head of the Foreign Ministry and several government officials. All passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft were killed.