Path has been cleared for triumph in Friday's vote of judiciary chief who oversaw executions of thousands, as Supreme Leader consolidates power and prepares his legacy

Campaigners say Ebrahim Raisi should stand trial rather than lead country; Amnesty says he was member of the Tehran 'death commission' that secretly killed thousands

Three of the seven approved candidates drop out days before June 18 vote, leaving ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi almost certain to win vote

Resignation likely an attempt to boost moderate contender; announcement leaves 6 in race set for Friday, which is expected to be won by hardline judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi

Front-runner Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner who earlier this year threatened Trump with assassination, has praised Hezbollah and criticized normalization with Israel

In troubled country, choices for leadership do not inspire much confidence that things will get better

Powerful Guardian Council says it is not obligated to tell candidates why it has rejected their candidacy

Hamas chief expected to meet with Khamenei, Nasrallah in wake of recent conflict between his Gaza-ruling terror group and Israel

Decision comes after Khamenei admits 'some were wronged in vetting process' after just 7 of 600 candidates approved to run in race many say is a foregone conclusion

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