Iran Presidential Race Narrows as Two Candidates Withdraw

As Iran prepares for its presidential election, two candidates, Amirhossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi and Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani have withdrawn, consolidating support for hard-line candidates. The election, crucial in shaping Iran's future political landscape amidst economic struggles and nuclear tensions, sees widespread public apathy and discontent.

In a dramatic turn of events, Iran's presidential race has seen the withdrawal of two significant candidates: Amirhossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi and Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani. Their exit is widely seen as a move to consolidate hard-line support ahead of the vote.

Ghazizadeh Hashemi, a former vice president under the late Ebrahim Raisi, urged remaining candidates to withdraw in favor of bolstering revolutionary unity. Zakani, meanwhile, called for preventing a repeat of former President Hassan Rouhani's administration. Their departure leaves a race still crowded with hard-line contenders.

A sense of public apathy grips the Iranian capital as voters head to the polls, underscored by frustration over unmet economic promises and a clampdown on women's rights. With Iran enriching uranium close to weapons-grade levels, the election outcome could have far-reaching consequences on both domestic and international fronts.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)