Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf: A Stalwart Conservative with a Checkered Political Trajectory
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, 62, stands as a formidable presence in Iran's political landscape. His extensive governmental experience, including his role as parliament speaker since 2020 and mayor of Tehran, positions him as a seasoned candidate in the upcoming presidential election. Born in 1961 near Mashhad, Ghalibaf's political ascent began with his service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, where he rose to prominence as the head of the air force and later the police force.
Ghalibaf's presidential aspirations have been unwavering, with three previous attempts in 2005, 2013, and 2017. Notably, he withdrew from the 2017 race to bolster the candidacy of Ebrahim Raisi. Throughout his career, Ghalibaf has maintained close ties with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who appointed him to various leadership positions.
Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh-Hashemi: A Staunch Supporter of Raisi's Legacy
Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh-Hashemi, 53, is a staunch conservative whose political views align closely with those of the late President Raisi. Born in 1971, Ghazizadeh-Hashemi holds the position of vice-president and heads the Martyrs' Foundation. His political experience includes four consecutive terms representing Mashhad in parliament.
In the 2021 presidential election, Ghazizadeh-Hashemi received 3.5 percent of the vote, demonstrating a loyal following. His unwavering support for Raisi's policies and his commitment to conservative principles make him a formidable candidate in the upcoming race.
Saeed Jalili: An Uncompromising Anti-Western Negotiator
Saeed Jalili, 58, is an ultraconservative figure renowned for his staunch anti-Western stance. Born in 1965 in Mashhad, Jalili's political trajectory has been marked by his uncompromising views. Khamenei appointed him as one of his representatives in Iran's Supreme National Security Council, a testament to his influence within the regime.
A veteran of the Iran-Iraq war, Jalili lost a foot during his service. He later led Iran's nuclear program negotiations between 2007 and 2013, vehemently opposing the 2015 nuclear deal with the United States and Western governments. Jalili's candidacy reflects his unwavering commitment to Iran's nuclear ambitions and his belief in a confrontational approach towards the West.
Massoud Pezeshkian: A Lone Reformist in a Conservative Fray
Massoud Pezeshkian, 69, stands as the sole reformist candidate in the upcoming election. Born in 1954, Pezeshkian is an outspoken heart surgeon who has represented the northwestern city of Tabriz in parliament since 2008. His political career includes serving as health minister in the government of former reformist president Mohammad Khatami.
Pezeshkian's reformist credentials have been tested in recent years. In the 2021 presidential race, he was disqualified alongside other reformist and moderate candidates. Undeterred, he continues to criticize the Raisi government for its lack of transparency and its handling of the nationwide protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.
Mostafa Pourmohammadi: A Conservative Cleric with a Controversial Past
Mostafa Pourmohammadi, 64, is the only cleric among this year's presidential candidates. Born in 1959 in the religious city of Qom, Pourmohammadi is a conservative politician with a checkered past. He has held various positions throughout his career, including in Iran's intelligence ministry.
Pourmohammadi served as interior minister under the hardline president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and later as justice minister under the moderate president Hassan Rouhani. His tenure has been marked by controversy, with allegations of human rights abuses and involvement in the execution of political prisoners.
Alireza Zakani: An Ultraconservative Mayor with Presidential Ambitions
Alireza Zakani, 58, is an ultraconservative who has served as Tehran's mayor since August 2021. Born in Tehran in 1965, Zakani is a veteran of the Iran-Iraq war. He has been a member of parliament for four separate terms, representing Tehran for three terms and Qom for one.
Zakani's political career has been marked by his staunch opposition to the 2015 nuclear deal. He was a candidate in the 2021 presidential election before withdrawing to support Ra
