Senior aide to Iran's Ahmadinejad quits

A top advisor and aide to hardline Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has resigned, less than two months ahead of the presidential election, the state news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday.

A top advisor and aide to hardline Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has resigned, less than two months ahead of the presidential election, the state news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday.

HT Image

Mojtaba Samareh Hashemi submitted his resignation, which is yet to be accepted by Ahmadinejad, on Tuesday, IRNA said.

"Allow me to submit my resignation in order to have an opportunity to serve in other areas," Samareh Hashemi said in his letter carried by IRNA.

He has been a top advisor to Ahmadinejad since he swept to power in 2005.

Ahmadinejad faces re-election on June 12 although he has yet to officially announce his candidacy.

Ahmadinejad's cabinet has gone through several reshuffles and seen key ministers sacked over differences with the president.