The story: High-profile figures from across the political spectrum have registered to run in Iran’s upcoming presidential elections. However, two politicians in particular have become targets of heated criticism from rival camps.

Moderates and pro-reform voices are lashing out at hardline hopeful Saeed Jalili, saying that he would further close Iran off to the world as president. On the other hand, conservative media have questioned moderate former parliament speaker Ali Larijani’s record and accused him of disrespecting late...