RNA - Dehqan made the remarks in an address to the Defense Ministry’s staff in Tehran on Tuesday, three days ahead of the country's presidential election.
Describing the Middle East's status quo as sensitive and complicated, the Iranian defense minister said the US, the Israeli regime and Saudi Arabia were hatching dangerous plots to prolong regional crises, war and bloodshed within the framework of an Arab NATO.
“We will be able to thwart such an evil plot by displaying [our] unity, solidarity and national power in the upcoming election,” Dehqan said.
He emphasized that the Iranian nation’s participation in the election would be a strong support for the Armed Forces in their attempts to defend the country and would boost their morale.
Iran will simultaneously hold its 12th presidential election and the 5th City and Village Councils Elections on May 19.
On April 20, the Iranian Interior Ministry announced the final list of six candidates vetted by the Guardian Council to run for president.
The list included incumbent President Hassan Rouhani; First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri; Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf; member of Iran’s Expediency Council, Mostafa Aqa-Mirsalim; former deputy judiciary chief, Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi; and former vice president, Mostafa Hashemi-Taba.
However, the Tehran mayor issued a statement on Monday announcing that he was to withdraw from the presidential race while backing principlist candidate, Raeisi.
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