Iran's regime facing crisis as only moderate candidate on ballot takes lead in polls

"Yet, IRGC officials claimed to the Telegraph that the regime approved Mr Pezeshkian's candidacy only to ensure that liberals 'feel they are in the game' and secure a higher turnout. Jason Brodsky, policy director of the advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran, also said: 'There is an attempt by the regime to utilise him in a way that will generate turnout and try to legitimise an illegitimate election.'"