Iran's Presidential Race Heats Up with Hardliners and Former Leaders Joining the Fray

Iran's hard-line parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, has emerged as a leading candidate in the upcoming presidential election following the death of Ebrahim Raisi. Qalibaf, a former Tehran mayor and Revolutionary Guard general, is known for his involvement in past violent crackdowns on protests. His candidacy comes amid heightened tensions with the West and internal unrest over economic issues and civil rights. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's recent speech hinted at support for Qalibaf, who promises to continue Raisi's policies.