One of the candidates, Dr. Masoud Fezekian, a former heart surgeon, criticized Iran's notorious morality police.
Dr. Pezeshkian caused quite a stir by promising “unity and cohesion” and an end to Iran’s “isolation” from the world.
He called for “constructive negotiations” with Western powers to renew the 2015 nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for relief from Western sanctions.
Dr. Pezeshkian's rival, Saeed Jalili, favors the status quo. The former nuclear negotiator enjoys strong support in Iran's most religious community.
He is known for his staunch anti-Western stance and opposition to restoring the Iran nuclear deal, which he claims crosses Iran's “red line.”
Both candidates had to pass a vetting process run by the Guardian Council, a 12-member body of clerics and jurists who wield considerable power in Iran.
In the process, 74 candidates, including several women, were eliminated from the competition.
The Guardian Council has been criticized by human rights groups for disqualifying candidates who appear to lack loyalty to the regime.
