The presidential elections in Iran this year have so far been signified by the Guardian Council’s disqualification of almost all Reformist and moderate candidates. As a result, few expect the elections to be competitive in a meaningful way. Yet there are now signs that independent candidate Abdolnaser Hemmati is stepping up to be the main candidate for the pro-reform movement in a conservative-dominated race.

An unlikely candidate

Before registration for the presidential elections began in late May, no one imagined...