Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called on politicians to avoid actions that could polarize the society, warning that enemies are waiting to take advantage of disagreements among Iran's political forces.
"Bipolarity is detrimental to the country," Ayatollah Khamenei warned on Monday, at the start of an advanced course on Islamic religious studies held in Tehran, Tasnim News Agency reported.
Ayatollah Khamenei called on political figures to refrain from "moves that could put the country's unity and integrity at risk", saying enemies are waiting to take advantage of any polarity or conflict in Iran.
"We need to move in the enemy's opposite direction," he underlined.
The Leader's concern over polarization of the society came after speculations spread that former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad would run for presidency in the 2017 election.
There have also been reports that Ahmadinejad had a private meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei in the past few weeks to announce his readiness to run for president. Some political figures had earlier said the Leader has advised Ahmadinejad to avoid running for the upcoming presidential election.
The Leader emphasized the need for unity and understanding in the country, and warned against comments, rumors or speculations that could provoke rift in the country.
Inexpedient
Ayatollah Khamenei confirmed that he has advised a gentleman (without mentioning a specific name) in a recent meeting to "avoid getting involved in a certain event [election]" for the good of the country and of that individual himself.
"I did not tell him [specifically] not to participate [run for president]," the Leader explained, saying the individual has been told that his involvement "is not deemed expedient."
The Leader noted that a holistic view of the country's situation and that specific figure's conditions led to the recommendation that he had better avoid the event to prevent any schism in the country.
Ayatollah Khamenei again stressed that it was a recommendation, saying it was not a ruling, but an expediency.
The upcoming presidential and city council elections will be held concurrently on May 19, 2017.
