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Iran's upcoming presidential election aims to increase voter turnout, leading candidates to use Western social media platforms to engage with younger voters. The election features six candidates, including four hardliners, one centrist, and one reformist. The main competition is expected to be between two hardliners and the reformist candidate. Despite the ban on major Western social media platforms in Iran, candidates and officials are active on these platforms, and around 80% of Iranians use VPNs to access them. However, public engagement with the election remains low, posing a challenge for the clerical establishment's goal of restoring legitimacy. [Extracted from the article]

Iranian commentators are expressing concern about the potential economic impact and increased unrest that could result from another Donald Trump presidency. Trump's previous "maximum pressure" campaign, which included withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and imposing sanctions, severely impacted Iran's economy. If Trump were to return to office, Iran's oil exports could suffer again, leading to economic shock and potential collapse. Additionally, the security implications of a Trump presidency include the possibility of increased military action against Iran and its proxy militias. The declining voter turnout and legitimacy crisis in Iran, coupled with the rise of unpopular ultraconservative figures, could also fuel protests if Trump is reelected. [Extracted from the article]

The on-again, off-again talks between Iran and western powers over Tehran's nuclear program have stalled yet again due to disagreements between the two sides. The pattern of slow, cautious decision-making in Iran is a critical factor in the Iran nuclear negotiations that has widely been ignored. [Extracted from the article]