MIDDLE EAST Mohammad Khatami, one of Iran’s leading reformists, on Monday bowed out of the race for the June presidential elections, only weeks after announcing his candidacy, in a move he said was designed to unify reformist ranks.
Aides to Mr Khatami, who served as Iran’s president from 1997 to 2005, said he was determined to take himself out of the contest amid concerns that in fielding three candidates reformists risked splitting their vote.
