A report by the Iranian Fars news agency says Iran’s Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri and former Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani have been disqualified by the country’s Constitutional Council from running in the June 18 presidential election.

Ali Larijani served as speaker of Iran’s Parliament (Majlis) from 2008 to 2020. Larijani is largely associated with the Principlist camp, while some believe he is closer to the Reformists.

The election authority at the Iranian Interior Ministry says any campaigning by presidential hopefuls before they are approved by the Constitutional Council is illegal.

Ali Larijani, a veteran politician and seen as a key Principlist figure, has registered to run in Iran’s June 18 presidential election.

Iran’s Judiciary Chief Ebrahim Raeisi is facing mounting calls by his supporters and associated political figures to join the 2021 presidential race, with a top body of Principlists now backing him as its top choice.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif have signed a 25-year comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, marking a milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries.   

Iran's Parliament Speaker Larijani says the Iranian Interior Ministry is making wise efforts to protect people's votes.