Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has declared his resolve to check “terrorism” as he campaigns for re-election on May 19.

Appearing alongside his 1st Vice President and fellow candidate Eshaq Jahangiri on national TV, Rouhani said the Islamic Republic would not let in “the virus of terrorism”. He called for “stronger national unity” and treatment of ethnic groups with respect to ensure stronger national security, and said poverty and ignorance are a breeding ground for terrorism.

However, Rouhani assured viewers that Iran is enjoying “exemplary” security thanks to the vigilance of its people and security forces, and that it is contributing to security in countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen

“We should not let terrorism continue its course in the region,” he proclaimed.

Jahangiri followed Rouhani’s declaration of a 12% increase in tourism with the invocation, “We should move towards attracting foreign tourists, especially cultural tourists, who would visit the country for the purpose of pilgrimage. These can bring home billions of dollars in cash, contribute to the economy and create employment.”

He also reinforced the President’s approach of an economic recovery linked to a foreign policy of engagement, saying Iran has to enter international markets “with an active diplomacy”.

The Supreme Leader has implicitly pushed back against Rouhani, warning candidates that they should “promise the people” that they “won’t rely on foreigners”.

See Iran Daily, April 26: Supreme Leader Intervenes in Election Against President Rouhani

Jahangiri appears to be running as a fallback candidate if the centrist Rouhani is damaged by the opposition of factions within the regime.

The leading challengers to the President are cleric Ebrahim Raisi, who has the backing of the Supreme Leader’s office and the Revolutionary Guards but has struggled to make an impression with the public, and Tehran Mayor Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf.

Revolutionary Guards Promote Raisi’s Candidacy

Despite Raisi’s lacklustre performance so far, the Revolutionary Guards outlet Fars is bluntly promoting his candidacy.

In a lengthy article, Fars proclaims that the cleric, who heads the billion-dollar Astana Qods Razavi relgious foundation, “has earned a momentum in the last few days moving up fast in various poll results and increasing hope for his campaign”.

The site says, without any evidence, that “expectations are high that [Tehran Mayor] Qalibaf would give up the race in [Raisi’s] favor”.

Amid an elegy about Raisi’s various roles in the regime, including Attorney General, Fars declares:

He also has constructive and positive views toward ethnic and religious diversity and he has friendly relations with different tribes and ethnic groups….

Raeisi has paid considerable attention to support for people in need and deprived groups of society….

In the 2017 Presidential race he is focusing on a non-partisan look and his main objective is to improve unity and cooperation among all religious and ethnic groups in Iran. All political parties admit his trustworthiness, morality and sincerity as well as his moderate views.

Judiciary Shuts Down Reformist HQ in Iran’s 2nd City

The judiciary has shut down the reformist campaign headquarters in Iran’s 2nd city Mashhad and Khorasan Razavi Province.

The order was issued by Judge Hassan Heidari, the deputy prosecutor of Mashhad. An “informed source” said the pretext was the display of photos of former reformist President Mohammad Khatami.

The regime has banned any reference in the media or images of Khatami, who led the Government from 1997 to 2005.

In the past six months, security agencies have arrested more than 20 reporters and political and civil rights activists close to reformists and the centrist Rouhani Government.

TOP PHOTO: Iran’s 1st Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri and President Hassan Rouhani, May 2, 2017