The story: Presidential candidates in Iran have so far focused on the economy, but foreign policy is emerging as a hot topic ahead of the upcoming televised debates. Against this backdrop, moderate former president Hassan Rouhani (2013-21) has waded into the field, insisting that diplomacy aimed at lifting sanctions must be the top priority of the next president.

The coverage: While the hopefuls have spoken about the challenges faced by the Iranian economy, they have largely avoided discussing...