Former Pres. Ahmadinejad Registers To Run Again, But Candidacy Unlikely

Iran's former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has registered to run again for the Islamic republic's presidency, despite a ban from the Guardian Council that ruled him out of the 2017 contest.

• Hardline conservative Ahmadinejad, who governed from 2005-2013, was barred from running in the 2017 election and it appears likely that he will be barred again, having served two terms in office. In recent years he has attempted to soften his image and paint himself as a unifier of Iran's hardline and moderate blocs, although his support base remains among religious conservatives in Iran.
• Nevertheless, his attempted run could embolden hardline candidates and communities. The escalating conflict in Gaza could also spark a conservative backlash in Iran who want Tehran to take a hardline stance against Israel, the US and the West rather than seeking deals such as the JCPoA.