Iranian president asks supreme leader Khamenei to intervene, warning, 'The heart of elections is competition. If you take that away it becomes a corpse'

Top-level panel of clerics and jurists disqualifies vast majority of would-be candidates who registered for June election to succeed Hassan Rouhani

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

Firebrand former leader, who threatened to build nuclear bomb during his term but has since become a critic of Tehran's establishment, was barred from running in 2017

Guardian Council routinely ensures those seeking radical change are blocked from running; several candidates from powerful Revolutionary Guard have been suggested as candidates

Analysts and pundits voice concern, after leaked tape of foreign minister Zarif decrying military's excessive influence over country's politics

Biden administration officials quoted saying indirect communication, political disputes and Iran's upcoming election have hindered progress, as Tehran demands full sanction removal

Foreign minister says that after approaching elections, which will see Rouhani leave office, Tehran will have a regime that will 'not be able to do anything serious'

President under pressure over economic fallout of US sanctions and pandemic, and cannot run for a third term

As Tehran faces unprecedented crises -- including COVID-19, the economy and frequent explosions -- it is hamstrung by a battle between reformists and conservatives, expert says