Iran's vice president drops out of presidential race

Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, a prominent Iranian presidential candidate, has withdrawn from the race just two days before the scheduled election, announcing his decision to throw his support behind three other hardline candidates.

In a series of social media posts, Ghazizadeh Hashemi stated that his primary goal is to "consolidate the conservative faction and strengthen their collective chances in the upcoming election," Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

The candidates he endorsed include Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Saeed Jalili, and Alireza Zakani, all of whom represent staunchly conservative positions in Iranian politics. Ghazizadeh Hashemi urged unity among these candidates to effectively challenge 'pro-reform' candidate Masoud Pezeshkian.

Highlighting the importance of unity among "pro-revolution forces," Ghazizadeh Hashemi emphasized his commitment to this cause, stating, "I am withdrawing from the race in order to maintain the cohesion of the revolutionary forces and in response to the written request of the Supreme Council of the Revolutionary Forces’ Consensus and some scholars and patriots."

Reflecting on his candidacy, Ghazizadeh Hashemi expressed that his initial intent was to defend the legacy of President Ebrahim Raisi, under whom he served as Vice President and head of the Martyrs and Veterans Affairs Foundation. This foundation, however, is under sanctions for allegedly directing financial resources to organizations like Hezbollah.

Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, a trained physician and former member of parliament who previously ran for president in 2021, noted that his decision was driven by a desire to ensure representation from the thirteenth government and uphold the principles he holds dear within the Iranian political landscape.