A leading Reformist daily says the Reformist faction would harm its own image if it throws its support behind presidential candidate Nasser Hemmati since he is seen as a key economic decision-maker in the Rouhani administration.

Presidential candidate Nasser Hemmati described the sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States as one of Iran’s “most fundamental problems,” blaming the restrictions for more than have of the country’s economic woes.

Akbar Komijani takes over as CBI chief after governor Hemmati launches presidential election campaign.

Iranian presidential candidates Alireza Zakani, who is a Principlist, and Nasser Hemmati, a Moderate generally viewed as close to the Reformists, engage in a war of words on Twitter over Iran’s economic hardships.

Abdol-Nasser Hemmati, the governor of Iran’s Central Bank and a candidate in the 2021 presidential election, says he should not be lumped together with those responsible for the economic status quo.

Iran is pressing the US for a guaranteed relief from sanctions targeting its banking system.

Iran says payments have been made for a large vaccine shipment that is due in the country on Saturday.