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(MENAFN) Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the upcoming snap presidential election slated for June 28. Originally scheduled for 2025, the election was moved forward following the tragic and unexpected passing of ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi on May 19. Raisi, along with several members of his delegation, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in northern Iran.

Ghalibaf, a conservative figure, is no stranger to presidential bids, having previously run for office in 2005, 2013, and 2017. Despite his past attempts, he now faces the crucial step of awaiting approval from the Guardian Council, a body dominated by conservatives and tasked with vetting all candidates for public office. This marks Ghalibaf's fourth venture into presidential candidacy, with his last attempt seeing him withdraw in favor of Raisi, who ultimately finished as runner-up to the moderate incumbent, Hassan Rouhani.

Expressing his rationale for entering the race, Ghalibaf emphasized his commitment to addressing Iran's economic and social challenges. He asserted that his candidacy is driven by a belief in the potential for resolving these issues and improving the livelihoods of the Iranian people. Ghalibaf, aged 62, boasts a background as a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' air force, lending further weight to his political profile.

Recently elected as the Speaker of Iran's parliament, Ghalibaf has previously held this position in the preceding legislative session. With his extensive political experience and military background, his presidential bid adds a significant dynamic to Iran's political landscape as the nation navigates the aftermath of Raisi's untimely passing and prepares for a new chapter in its leadership.

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