Ebrahim Raisi, the leading rival to President Hassan Rouhani in Friday’s presidential election, is a hardline judge with close ties to the supreme leader who spent years in powerful backroom positions. Born into a religious family in the holy city of Mashhad on August 23, 1960, Raisi wears the black turban of a “seyed” whose … Read more
Tehran mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf withdrew from Iran’s presidential race Monday, paving the way for a head-to-head battle between President Hassan Rouhani and his leading hardline challenger in this week’s election. Ghalibaf called on his supporters to back conservative cleric and jurist Ebrahim Raisi in Friday’s vote, saying it was vital for the “preservation of … Read more
Ebrahim Raisi, the leading candidate for Iran’s hardliners in next month’s presidential election, has left many wondering whether the country’s fragile opening to the West could be under threat. The 56-year-old judge and cleric registered on Friday for the May 19 vote and his candidacy is being closely watched by foreign investors and diplomats who … Read more
Iranian hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi registered on Friday to run for next month’s presidential election, state television showed. The 56-year-old has emphasised his concern for the poor and the high levels of unemployment — considered a weak spot for President Hassan Rouhani who also registered on Friday. “Despite all the efforts of previous governments, the … Read more
Iranian hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi registered on Friday to run for next month’s presidential election, state television showed. The 56-year-old has emphasised his concern for the poor and the high levels of unemployment — considered a weak spot for President Hassan Rouhani who also registered on Friday. “Despite all the efforts of previous governments, the … Read more
Ebrahim Raisi is a hardline judge who spent years in powerful backroom positions before emerging as a leading challenger for Iran’s presidential election next month. Born into a religious family in the holy city of Mashhad on August 23, 1960, Raisi is a “seyed” whose geneology is said to lead back to the Prophet Mohammed. … Read more
Ebrahim Raisi is a hardline judge who spent years in powerful backroom positions before emerging as a leading challenger for Iran’s presidential election next month. Born into a religious family in the holy city of Mashhad on August 23, 1960, Raisi is a “seyed” whose geneology is said to lead back to the Prophet Mohammed. … Read more