The US Treasury designated Haghanian in 2019 among nine individuals in Khamenei's "inner circle responsible for advancing...domestic and foreign oppression". Iran says most US sanctions are prompted by baseless accusations. Former parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani, a prominent conservative, was among the candidates registering on Friday, as was Abdolnaser Hemmati, a former central bank governor. An election official told reporters on Saturday that 12 hopefuls had registered since the process opened on Thursday for the June 28 election. The death of Raisi - who was once seen as a possible successor to Khamenei, Iran's ultimate decision-maker - has triggered a race among hardliners to influence the selection of the country's next leader. After a five-day registration period, the clerical-led Guardian Council will vet candidates running for the presidency.
