Former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's last-minute entry into Iran's presidential race, along with that of sitting President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's right-hand man Rahim Mashaei, has done more than add color to the array of conservatives loyal to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that was already in the mix. It has renewed hope that Iran's ailing economy can bounce back and the country can break free of the ever-tightening grip of sanctions. The rial strengthened by nearly 6% the day news of skilled businessman and long-time politician Rafsanjani's candidacy hit the market. "There is a lot of optimism that Rafsanjani will be able to get the economy back on track," says one Tehran-based consultant. With inflation topping 30% and double-digit unemployment, many Iranians equate Rafsanjani's term with stability, predictability and managerial competence.
展开▼
