Iran’s Upcoming Presidential Elections: A Reveal of the Contenders and Their Potential Impact on Iran’s Future

The Iranian regime has finalized its list of presidential candidates, with six individuals set to participate in the upcoming elections. Among the candidates are Speaker of the Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Mayor of Tehran Alireza Zakani, Said Jalili from the Security Council of the Islamic Republic, Member of Parliament Masoud Pezeshkiyan, former Iranian prosecutor Mustafa Pourmohammadi, and Vice President Gazizadeh Hashemi.

According to Dr. Raz Zimt, an expert on Iran from Tel Aviv University, the absence of many reformist candidates indicates that the regime is determined to maintain its control over state institutions. While Ghalibaf, Jalili and Pezeshkiyan are considered popular candidates among conservatives, their election outcome remains uncertain due to various factors.

Iran’s political landscape is complex with different factions vying for power within the conservative elite. Although the IRGC and clergy play significant roles in decision-making, there is no clear divide between them. The future president’s impact on foreign policy may be limited as ultimate decisions are made by the rahbar.

In recent years, Iran’s regional and global position has strengthened with alliances with Russia and China providing strategic benefits. Tehran’s self-confidence has grown leading to increased assertiveness in regional conflicts. Despite uncertainties surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the regime is cautious about taking drastic steps that could escalate tensions.

As Iran navigates internal dynamics and external pressures, Israel and other regional actors must reassess their strategies to counter evolving threats posed by Iran. Restoration of relations with Arab countries normalization efforts with Saudi Arabia and formation of strategic alliances could potentially mitigate the threat posed by Iran in the region.

The approved presidential candidates represent a diverse range of perspectives on how to address challenges facing Iran such as economic growth and stability, human rights abuses and international isolationism.

While some see reformist change as necessary for modernizing Iran’s economy and society others argue that these changes would weaken traditional values that have kept Islamic Republic stable for decades.

The election outcome remains uncertain due to various factors including voter turnout which can be affected by disqualifications or intimidation tactics used by authorities.

Overall it seems that while some may see this election as a chance for change others view it as another step towards maintaining control over state institutions.