Government of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Campaigning began on April 21 for Iran's presidential election with incumbent Hassan Rouhani facing a tough battle against hardliners, though not from former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who was barred from standing.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran's former two-time president, has registered to contest the 12th round of presidential elections in Iran, Al-Alam reports.

Iran's former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on April 12 stunned the country by unexpectedly filing to run in the May presidential election, contradicting a recommendation from the supreme leader to stay out of the race.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei successfully underwent prostate surgery, official media announced Monday in an unprecedented public statement on his health, which has long been subject to speculation.
      

The United States and Iran have denied plans for any military coordination in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants.