TEHRAN – Mohammad Hashemi, brother to the late ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, on Saturday registered his name for candidacy in the May presidential election.

“I decided to register to allay some worries,” he told IRNA after registration.

He added, “Friends suggested I run in order to pursue the ideals and thoughts of the late Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani, namely to promote the Islamic Iran and improve people’s esteem, comfort, and welfare.”

Hashemi added that he will run as an independent candidate.

SP/PA