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

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

Only 7 out of 600 hopefuls approved to run, including 5 ultra-conservatives; many likely to stay away from vote expected to focus on corruption, economy and not nuclear deal

Ali Larijani is first high-profile candidate to potentially back policies of outgoing administration; Ebrahim Raisi is an ultraconservative who opposed Rouhani

Several conservative candidates are vying for presidency, including former defense minister and head of judiciary; run by moderate FM Zarif also said to be a possibility

Ali Larijani is highest ranking Iranian official to contract coronavirus; President Rouhani acknowledges severity of crisis, calls for adherence to health ministry protocols

Army says US military lacks 'courage,' and Tehran's top diplomat protests that hitting cultural sites is prohibited; Iran MPs chant 'Death to America' after Soleimani killing

February elections seen to be a measure of the popularity of the electoral camps represented by Rouhani; national vote comes after weeks of unrest

Parliament speaker says Tehran downing US surveillance drone over the Gulf will deter Washington from additional acts of 'aggression'

Parliament speaker backs accusation by claiming, falsely, that US targeted its own ships in WWII