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Iranian Reformists send clear support for Rouhani

A new, unofficial think tank in Tehran intends to give advice to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and aims for there to be more Reformist influence in the president’s inner circle.
Iran's former president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (C), Iranian former vice president Mohammad Reza Aref (centre, L) and a group of reformists pose for a photo in Tehran February 22, 2016. REUTERS/Mohammad Kazempour/TIMA    TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY       ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, CONTENT, LOCATION OR DATE OF THIS IMAGE. IT IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS. FOR EDITORIAL USE ON

In April, when experienced Reformist politician Mostafa Moein said, “I believe Mr. Rouhani needs a very strong think tank” to advise him on all issues, it did not stir up much reaction in the domestic media. However, now that Iran’s presidential election is only seven months away, the setting up of a Reformist think tank might be viewed as the Reformist faction's believing it is closing in on winning the presidency again.

The pro-reform Arman Daily’s interview with Moein, published Oct. 6 with the headline “Reformists within Rouhani’s think tank,” announced the unofficial think tank and said “the president is much too busy to set up an official think tank.”

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