Rivalry dilutes potency of Iran’s reformists

Supporters of Iran’s reformists cheered when Mohammad Khatami, the moderate former president, agreed to contest the June presidential elections in an effort to unseat the radical Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad.

Mehdi Karroubi: ‘Mr Khatami and I are friends but have political differences’

But, in spite of their enthusiasm for Mr Khatami, the reformists are struggling with internal divisions that threaten to undermine their chances of a comeback after nearly five years of political marginalisation.