Iran Opens Presidential Candidate Registration Following Raisi's Death

Iran has opened a five-day registration period for presidential hopefuls to run in the June 28 election, which was brought forward following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19. The crash also killed seven others, including members of Raisi's entourage. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has since assigned Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as caretaker president. According to reports, presidential hopefuls must be between the ages of 40 and 75 with at least a master's degree to register as potential candidates. The election comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, and past presidents have played a significant role in shaping Iran's relationship with the West.