Iran

As a pragmatic politician, Jahangiri is a member of the central council of the Servants of Construction Party. During the presidential televised debates his popularity rose greatly, even superseding Rouhani in some debates.

In three hours of blazing exchanges with his rivals, he took on targets once seen as all but untouchable, including the judicial establishment and the Revolutionary Guards, the elite military force that controls much of Iran's economy.

Angry exchanges have erupted during the final televised debate before Iran's presidential election next week.

The six candidates approved for Iran's strictly vetted presidential ballot are appearing for the last of three live televised debates before the May 19 election. The topic is economics.

The statements of support came during a debate that was broadcast live on Iranian state television, the second of three scheduled for the short campaign season.