Iran's presidential elections: A classic struggle between hardliners and reformists


  • English
  • Arabic

Iranian voters prepare to head to the polls on June 28, following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May.

This coming election is significant because not only will it shape Iran's political landscape, but it promises to influence Tehran’s relationships with the international community. Economic sanctions, the nuclear programme and Iran's role in the wider Middle East are just a few of the burning issues that form the backdrop to this contest.

In this episode of the Year of Elections podcast, host Declan McVeigh delves into the coming presidential election with Ismaeel Naar, The National’s Arab affairs editor, and Arash Azizi, author and Iranian affairs columnist for The National.

The conversation provides in-depth analysis of the candidates and discusses what their presidencies could mean for Iran's domestic policies and international relations, with a focus on how they could tackle key issues such as sanctions, the nuclear programme and Iran's role in the Middle East.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

Know your Camel lingo

The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home

Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless

Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers

Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s

Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo

Power: 435hp at 5,900rpm

Torque: 520Nm at 1,800-5,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Price: from Dh498,542

On sale: now

Updated: September 26, 2024, 7:34 AM
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