<p>Hundreds of thousands gathered in Mashhad’s Martyrs Square on May 17 to rally behind Iranian presidential candidate Ebrahimi Raisi</a>. Raisi is a long-time confidante to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini and announced his candidacy on April 9.</p><p>Raisi, the head of the Imam Reza Holy Shrine in Mashhad, has had an increased public profile in recent days following Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s decision to withdraw</a> from the election on May 15. Iranian media reports said</a> Raisi has since promised Ghalibaf a major role in his administration, possibly that of the first vice president; however, many of Raisi’s hardline conservative supporters have criticized the potential political deal.</p><p>The Iranian elections are slated to take place on May 19.</p><br />
