In May 2013 , Shariatmadari withdrew his candidacy in favor of Rafsanjani .
He announced in April 2013 that he would withdraw his candidacy if Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani , Ali Akbar Nategh Nouri , Mohammad Khatami or Hassan Khomeini run for the election .
In May 2013 , Shariatmadari withdrew his candidacy in favor of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani .
He announced in April 2013 that he would withdraw his candidacy if Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani , Ali Akbar Nategh Nouri , Mohammad Khatami or Hassan Khomeini run for the election .