Iranian cleric announces presidential candidacy

Mehdi Karrubi announced he will challenge Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009

Vahid Salemi / AP

Iranian pro-reform cleric, Mehdi Karrubi, who is a veteran of the 1979 Islamic revolution, speaks at his press conference, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Oct. 12.

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updated 12:20 p.m. ET Oct. 12, 2008

TEHRAN, Iran - A moderate Iranian cleric has announced he will challenge Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for Iran's presidency in 2009.

Mehdi Karrubi is a reformist known for criticizing the president both for his handling of the economy and for needlessly antagonizing the West.

He made his announcement Sunday.

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Karrubi is a veteran of the 1979 Islamic revolution, but is a comparatively minor figure, suggesting the bid is largely symbolic.

Karrubi has said he would pursue a trust-building policy with the West over Iran's nuclear activities. Iran has been accused of seeking atomic weapons, a charge it denies.

Iran has set June 12 for the election. Registration is expected in April.