Ahmadinejad Responds to Khamenei's 'Advice': I Will Not Run

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the former president of Iran, stated in a letter to Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, that he will not run in the upcoming presidential elections 'in practice' according to his directives. Ahmadinejad confirmed his decision not to run in the letter published on Tuesday, October 6. The former president addressed the Supreme Leader, saying: 'As you are aware, in the meeting on September 1 of this year, I outlined the plans for explaining the revolution across the country, after which Your Excellency advised that it is not expedient for me to participate in the elections this time.' Ahmadinejad wrote in the letter that he had already announced his 'obedience' to Khamenei's 'advice' during that meeting. In the conclusion of his letter, he wished for 'more health and success' for the Supreme Leader and added that he will always remain 'as a small soldier of the revolution and a servant of the people.' This letter from Ahmadinejad was published one day after Khamenei explicitly confirmed his opposition to Ahmadinejad's candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections. The Supreme Leader cited the 'harmfulness of a bipolar atmosphere in the country' as the reason for his opposition. According to Khamenei, Ahmadinejad's decision not to run is 'in the best interest of both that person and the country.' Ahmadinejad has made several trips to various cities and regions of the country in recent months, where he was welcomed by his supporters. Many analysts interpreted these trips as a sign of Ahmadinejad's intention to run for the presidency next year and compete with the current president, Hassan Rouhani. Previously, some principlists and former supporters of Ahmadinejad had urged him to obey the Supreme Leader and not run in the elections.