As Iran is suffering from internal and external problems, many analysts believe Expediency Council Chairman Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani can resolve the current issues of this Muslim country. He used to serve as the president of Islamic Republic for eight years in row and he has a charismatic character in international affairs.
“I will announce my nomination once I feel that nobody else than me can help Iran. But now I think that’s not the time and I won’t take part in the upcoming presidential election. Currently I’m consulting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and we are looking for some ways to rescue Iran from its current status.” Hashemi Rafsanjani told reporters on Sunday.
A few weeks ago Iranian lawmaker Ali Motahari announced that he had asked Rafsanjani to run for Iran’s top post but Rafsanjani has turned down his offer for personal and health problems. The influential Iranian politician and writer has a great fan base between local people and Iranians usually admire his management during Iran-Iraq war era.
“At the moment, the enemies of Islamic Republic are trying hard to destroy my connections with Supreme Leader but we are aware of these plots and we won’t get trapped by them. We can push our enemies back if we hold a free and fair election in the country. Otherwise they might stir up people against the system.” Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani added.
In 2005 Rafsanjani ran for a third term in office, placing first in the first round of elections but ultimately losing to rival Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the run-off round of the 2005 election. He has been described as a centrist and a pragmatic conservative.