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After months of hinting, former President of Iran Mohammad Khatami—known for promoting liberty and relations with the West—announced he will run for president in June. The New York Times reports that Khatami's announcement, which coincides with the upcoming anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution, "would pose a serious challenge to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad." Khatami faces serious opposition: His allies in Parliament have been barred from elections, while others have been jailed and silenced. Since losing the 2005 election to Ahmadinejad, Khatami has seen many of his social and political reforms undone. The nature of this election could seriously impact the West's strategies in dealing with the controversial Middle Eastern nation.