The story: After fervent speculations, a key Reformist umbrella organization in Iran has decided against backing any particular candidate in the upcoming June 18 presidential race. This comes despite pleas from a number of politicians—including opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi, who ran for president in 2009—for support for independent candidate Abdolnaser Hemmati.

The coverage: The Reform Front, which seeks to forge consensus among Reformist factions, held a meeting on June 14 to vote on whether to endorse a candidate. Hemmati, a former central bank governor, gained 23 out of...