As the upcoming Iranian presidential elections draw near, Ali Larijani, former head of the Iranian Shura Council, and Saeed Jalili, former head of the Supreme National Security Council, are among the first five candidates to submit their candidacy for the highly-anticipated elections.

Joining them are parliamentarians Mohammad Reza Sabbaghian and Abbas Moghtadaei, as well as Mostafa Kavakebian, leader of the reformist 'Mardom Salari' party, and Ghodrat Ali Heshmatian.

The registration process, which began on Thursday, will run for five days, followed by a seven-day review period by the Guardian Council to determine candidates' eligibility.

A 14-day campaign period will then ensue, leading up to the elections scheduled for June 28.

In a press conference, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi expressed condolences for the recent loss of President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions in a tragic helicopter crash.

Despite the somber event, Vahidi highlighted the nation's resilience in ensuring the continuity of the country's affairs.

With the elections slated for late June and the potential for a runoff on July 5 if no candidate secures a majority, all eyes are on the evolving political landscape in Iran as the race heats up.

Stay tuned for more updates on this riveting election season.