Iran’s presidential candidates

Iran has announced the final list of candidates for its presidential race, with moderate incumbent Hassan Rouhani likely to face a strong challenge from hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi

Conservative / hardline
Moderate / reformist

HASSAN ROUHANI, 68
Elected in 2013 on pledges of greater personal freedoms and detente with West. Clinched 2015 deal which saw Iran limitits nuclear programme in exchange forrelief from international sanctions.

Critics of deal say economic benefits have yet to filter down to ordinary Iranians, creating opening for Rouhani’s hardline rivals


EBRAHIM RAISI, 56
Islamic law professor has vowed to combat poverty and corruption. Close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and seen by many as his possible successor 

ESHAQ JAHANGIRI, 60
First vice president in Rouhani’s government, was close to late and influential President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. Believed to have entered race to support Rouhani


MOHAMMAD BAGHER QALIBAF, 55
Charismatic mayor of Tehran and formern ational police chief making third bid forpresidency, having lost in 2005 and 2013

MOSTAFA HASHEMITABA
Reformist politician was vice president from 1994-2001 and ran for president in 2001. Also served as head of Iran’s Olympic Committee

MOSTAFA AQA-MIRSALIM, 69
Member of Iran’s powerful Expediency Council body that advises Supreme Leader. Former minister of culture and Islamic guidance, was senior aide to Khamenei when latter was president during 1980s

Source: AP
Pictures: AP, Getty Images, Erfan Kouchari / Tasnim News Agency