Reformists, conservatives potentially competing strongly in Iran’s presidential race

Islam Mohamed

The full list of potential presidential candidates in Iran becomes clearer day after day, especially after a number of politicians and former army commanders came out to announce that they would seek the office of president.

Some of these potential candidates have already submitted their candidacy applications before the deadline for this process comes to an end on May 11.

The elections commission said it would register the names of those who want to run for president over a period of five days.

Revolutionary Guard candidates

Hossein Dehghan, a commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corpse and a military advisor to Iranian Supreme Guide Ali Khamenei, is on top of the potential presidential candidates.

Dehghan obtained a PhD in administration from the University of Tehran before he became the commander of the Revolutionary Guard air force.

He then became the head of the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs. Between 2013 and 2017, Dehghan served as the defense minister in the first cabinet of President Hassan Rouhani.

Saeed Mohammad, a second brigadier general in the Revolutionary Guard Corps and a former commander of its Khatam-al Anbiya Construction Headquarters, is also an important potential candidate from the Revolutionary Guard. Mohammad is part of a list of American sanctions on Iranian officials.

Mohsen Rezaee, a former commander of the Revolutionary Guard for 16 years, is also an important potential candidate. Rezaee ran for president several times in the past. However, this time, he says it is still early for him to decide whether he will run for president.