The World - News from July 4, 1989

Ahmed Khomeini, the son of Iran’s late ruler, indicated he is not running for president, virtually ensuring that Speaker of Parliament Hashemi Rafsanjani will win the post. In a letter to Parliament, Khomeini said he needs time to recover from the death of his father a month ago before considering his political future, according to Tehran Radio. Khomeini, known to have had presidential ambitions, was the only person seen able to pose a serious challenge to Rafsanjani in the July 28 election. In his letter, Khomeini reaffirmed his backing for senior leaders, including President Ali Khamenei.