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

Hardline judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi is widely tipped to win June 18 vote, after many potential heavyweights disqualified

Hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, widely expected to win June 18 race, addresses thousands of supporters in crowded stadium amid rising infection count and scorching temperatures

Outgoing president criticizes hardliners over women's rights, internet censorship in response to their attacks over 'hope' campaign surroundeding now-tattered 2015 nuke deal

June 18 election will see voters pick a new candidate replacing term-limited president; 7 aspirants focus their attention on departing leader in 3-hour televised debate

Groups say they hold head of judiciary Ebrahim Raisi responsible for Sasan Niknafs' death, the cause of which is not specified; Raisi widely expected to win presidential election

Ultraconservative judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi is widely seen as a favorite to win June 18 election

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