Iranian presidential hopeful Ali Akbar Velayati says he has what it takes to resolve the dispute with the West over Tehranâ„¢s nuclear energy program.
Å“If people trust me and I form a government, Iâ„¢m confident that the nuclear issue can be resolved while taking into consideration the interests of the [Islamic] Establishment,” Velayati told Fars News Agency.
The United States, Israel and some of their allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program. Using the false allegation as pretext, Washington and the European Union have imposed illegal and unilateral sanctions against the Tehran, though Iran categorically rejects their allegation.
Velayati stated that if he wins the June 14 presidential election, his administration will also help to end the unilateral sanctions imposed by the West on Iran.
Velayati, a former foreign minister, is a member of the Coalition of Three which also includes Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and lawmaker Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel.
He has said that the coalition will soon pick a front-runner for the race.
A total of 686 individuals signed up for the presidential race during the registration period, which began on May 7 at Iranâ„¢s Interior Ministry and ended on May 11.
The Guardian Council, the body tasked with vetting the hopefuls, has until May 21 to announce the final list of candidates.
The president of Iran is elected for a four-year term in a national election.
AR/SS
This article originally appeared on : Press TV