Mohammad Baraa Katerji had close links to president Bashar al-Assad and Iran-backed militant groups
Repudiation of candidates came after their mishandling of the economy and power struggles among them
The 69-year-old promises change to Tehran’s domestic and foreign policies and to end nuclear stand-off
Presidential race between reformist and hardliner to be decided by silent majority who boycotted first round
Hopefuls from across the spectrum apply, but the Islamic republic is unlikely to take many risks
Crowds gather in city of Tabriz for start of three days of mourning events
Aircraft came down on Sunday in remote and mountainous north-west
Hardline cleric was seen as integral to republic’s succession plan
Row over plan to build mosque in rare green space highlights divisions in increasingly polarised society
Most European capitals support tougher stance but are wary of designating Revolutionary Guards a terror group
Tehran indicates response will be designed to avoid escalating conflict amid flurry of diplomatic calls
Diplomatic push comes as Washington says Tehran is readying military response to strike on consulate
Participation fell after purge of leading pro-reform and moderate candidates
Retaliatory attack threatens to escalate tensions between neighbours
Islamabad condemns attack on Jaish ul-Adl in border province of Balochistan and recalls ambassador
Robin Simcox says proscribing military group would be ‘in national interest’
Tehran’s experience on the defensive has cemented its sense that conflict and disorder advance its interests
More diplomacy possible in New York this week, but rivals must overcome decades of distrust
Washington expected to release $6bn of Tehran’s frozen money in diplomatic breakthrough
Foreign ministers meet in Tehran in first visit by senior Saudi official for two decades
Middle Eastern rivals vow to ‘expand co-operation’ months after Chinese president’s visit to kingdom
Hardliners strike a defiant tone in public, but behind the scenes there is debate about how to respond to demands for change
Former crown prince Reza Pahlavi emerges as a figurehead for those who believe regime change is within sight
Tehran sought information on Jewish and Israeli individuals, Tugendhat tells MPs, after TV channel closed
Some officials worry defence forum could turn into a western echo chamber