Influential veteran politician Ali Larijani is widely believed to be preparing to become Iran’s next president, leaving political circles in a heated debate on whether the longest-serving parliament speaker can win bipartisan backing from rival camps. 

A report by several conservative outlets said last week that Larijani is set to launch his bid but with a condition for Reformists and traditional conservatives: “Endorse me and I will run” in the next presidential election. The election is slated for June 24, 2021.

The 63-year-old politician is currently serving as a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei while holding a seat at the Expediency Council after he bid farewell to the parliament speakership, a post he held for 12 consecutive years.

Last November, Larijani dismissed speculation that his decision not to run again for parliament was an indication that he was planning to fulfill his long-standing ambition for presidency. But even back then, there were serious doubts that Larijani indeed meant what he announced. “He might not confirm it openly, but he does not rule it out either,” said former deputy parliament speaker Ali Motahari, who is also Larijani’s brother-in-law. Former parliamentarian Hossein Naghavi Hosseini claimed that “[Larijani] has already inaugurated his campaign headquarters.”