Iranian presidential candidates discuss foreign policy in penultimate TV debate

The penultimate televised debate for the Iranian presidency was held on Monday night, focusing on foreign policy. This debate follows three highly watched previous debates that covered economic problems, fair administrative services, and cultural affairs. The candidates will make final efforts to attract voters in the last debate on Tuesday.

Each candidate had equal speaking time to present their plans for addressing major economic, political, and cultural issues. The six candidates, selected by the Constitutional Council from 80 applicants, are Saeed Jalili, Alireza Zakani, Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi, Mostafa Pourmohammadi, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Masoud Pezeshkian, Caliber.Az reports with reference to Iranian media.

On June 22, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei advised the candidates to avoid statements that would please the enemy, emphasizing their love for Iran and the Islamic Republic. The election campaign started on June 9 and ends on June 26, with the election on June 28.

The new administration, the 14th since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, will assume power in late June or early July for four years. Following a helicopter crash on May 19 that killed President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is acting president until the election, as appointed by Ayatollah Khamenei.