The Qom Seminary Teacher Society, a chief conservative body, has endorsed Ali Akbar Velayati for the 11th Iranian presidential election.
ILNA reports that in a statement signed by Mohammad Yazdi, the society announced that “an overwhelming majority” of its members have chosen Velayati as their candidate.
The right-wing group Islamic Coalition Party has also announced its support for Ali Akbar Velayati.
Ali Akbar Velayati, Gholamali Haddad Adel and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are the three candidates of the traditional right-wing forces, and the Society of Combatant Clergy, another chief right-wing body, has not yet made its final endorsement.
ISNA reported that Haddad Adel’s campaign headquarters will announce his withdrawal from the race in favour of one of his peers. Some have speculated that he may withdraw in favour of Saeed Jalili, Iran’s current nuclear negotiator and head of the Supreme Council of National Security.
The election will take place on June 14.
