Many in the West are wondering which choice would be the lesser of two evils and what the consequences would be on society, the rest of the Middle East and the rest of the world. 

During Rouhani’s time in office, the Iran nuclear deal was negotiated in 2015 with the United States and other world powers. Despite this, a large number of fundamentalist activities were carried out in the Islamic Republic. In fact, probably some of the worst behaviour in three decades was displayed. 

For example, almost 3,000 people have been executed in the country under the rule of Rouhani. This is more than any other time in recent history in Iran and they were often a punishment for “crimes” such as insulting religion.

During Rouhani’s tenure, Iran has tangled itself up in three wars in the region in Yemen, Iraq and Syria. The state media has also reported that his government has advanced strategic weapons development more in the past few years that has been done in the past ten years. 

And this is the president that the West refers to as “moderate”. 

Raisi too has made a career out of supressing the Iranian people. For decades he has been involved in presuming the policies of the Iranian regime and being a faithful follower of the Supreme Leader’s interpretation of Islam. 

No matter which of these men win the 19th May elections, the situation in Iran will still be the same – the regime’s support of terrorism will continue and the people will still be supressed. The pursuit of nuclear weapons will still be a priority for the Iranian regime and human rights violations will still be central to its policies. 

What will make a difference is the reaction and treatment of the United States and the wider West. If policies are adopted to end Iran’s meddling the regime could face a disastrous blow that would end the theocratic regime. The missile strike on the Syrian regime’s airbase earlier in the month was a good start.