Defence Minister Ali Shamkhani says he is challenging moderate President Mohammad Khatami in the June 8 presidential polls because he is worried about the fate of the Islamic republic. Shamkhani, a surprise candidate who is close to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is among nine mainly-conservative hopefuls challenging Khatami in the presidential race. The presidential election campaign officially kicked off last Friday, and candidates are beginning to state their views in television slots under rules which ban them from criticising their rivals. Khatami, who swept to office in 1997 with nearly 70 percent of the popular vote, has publicly lamented his limited power to stand up to conservatives who control state media, the courts, the police and armed forces, and take their cue from Khamenei. Iran calls for emergency meeting of OIC .
Supreme leader condemns reprisals on Afghanistan .
Khatami says UN should lead fight against terrorism . Taliban envoy . Iran says worried about influx of Afghan refugees . Iran cautions Britain over hasty US reaction to terrorist attacks . Afghan population movements high as fear builds of US strikes, UN warns .