Senior Khamenei Official Enters Iran’s Presidential Race

Vahid Haghanian, a prominent and mysterious figure within the Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran, has registered as a candidate for the upcoming presidential election.

Haghanian, known for his elusive background and secretive role within the inner circles of the Iranian regime, has historically been a key player in facilitating the Supreme Leader's directives across Iran's military, cultural, economic, and political spheres.

After formally registering his candidacy Haghanian, told reporters that "Based on a personal decision, I have made up my mind to register as a candidate for the presidential election." 

He expressed his intent to transition from "the deepest layer of the system's brain to the first and most visible layer," moving from behind-the-scenes influencer to front-line electoral politics and public engagement.

During his address, he discussed his experience within the government, emphasizing his commitment to understanding and addressing people's issues. 

"Over these 45 years, due to my duties, by traveling to all provinces, preparing ongoing reports, and presenting them for decision-making, being directly involved in the [Iran-Iraq] war and other areas, I have been able to establish sufficient connections with all segments of society," he explained. 

“I have never been and will never be a member or adherent to the principles of any factions, but I have and will continue to cooperate and engage with all of them."

Haghanian's is speech was interrupted several times due to unexpected power cuts. He responded to the embarrassing situation by saying, "I hope it wasn't intentional." 

Despite his efforts to maintain a low profile, Haghanian came under international scrutiny in 2019 when he, along with eight other officials from the Supreme Leader's office, was sanctioned by the US Treasury.

Described as "the Supreme Leader’s right hand" and a former military commander, his close association with Khamenei during public engagements further cemented his status.

However, recent years have seen a noticeable reduction in Haghanian's public appearances alongside Supreme Leader Khamenei, sparking speculation about his current standing within the system.

Media in Tehran characterize his role in different ways, including giving him the title of "deputy for special projects," but there is no official indication of his current position. Many figures close to Khamenei are expected to enter the race, including current acting president Mohammad Mokhber. So far, Saeed Jalili, a staunch hardliner and Khamenei loyalist, has registered as a candidate. Former Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, who is considered a political heavyweight among former officials and long-time Khamenei loyalist has also announced his candidacy, although he has been pushed aside from the center of power since 2020.

Meanwhile, Alireza Zakani, the hardliner Mayor of Tehran, officially entered the race for Iran's presidential election on Saturday. With his conservative views, Zakani reenters the political scene after stepping aside in 2021 to endorse Ebrahim Raisi.

Masoud Pezeshkian, a known reformist lawmaker and former First Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament also registered. Pezeshkian, brings a limited measure of diversity to the race, emphasizing reforms and openness. His previous tenure as Minister of Health under President Mohammad Khatami highlights his reformist closer ties to the 'reformists.'.

In a related development, conservative politician Parviz Fattah has confirmed he will not be entering the race. Fattah, a former IRGC officer known for his leadership of the economic conglomerate Execution of Imam Khomeini's Order, was widely expected to declare his candidacy for the June 28 snap elections. His withdrawal has left room for new conservative figures to emerge, potentially altering the dynamics of the electoral contest.