Live Blog: Presidential Debate in Iran -- Foreign Policy

Debate turning into one between the achievements/mistakes of the reformists and principlists [those loyal to the Supreme leader)

Jalili says Aref talks like there were no problems during reformist government.

Gharazi in the middle: Both principlists and reformists have disappointed and frustrated Iranians. They are both to blame. Gharazi said before that all factions should work together and end infighting

Debate turning into discussion about all that has gone wrong in last decade, debacle of reform vs IRI. History on trial. #iranelection

— Azadeh Moaveni (@AzadehMoaveni) June 7, 2013

Velayati says reformists sidelined the principlists, that's why the principlists have sidelined the reformists. It's retaliation, says Velayati

Adel: After Khatami assumed power he kicked out everyone who did not vote/support him (principlists)

Gharazi says Aref is repeatedly mentioning Khatami's name so he can attract support

Gharazi: "the revolution that had 98% support of the people is now begging people to come to the polling stations " #iranelection

— potkin azarmehr (@potkazar) June 7, 2013

Aref says under Khatami, the govt was earning $173 billion and created 700,000 jobs a year, brought down inflation to around 10 percent. But he says this govt has only earned $630 billion, taking a dig at the govt's mismanagement of the economy under Ahmadinejad

Aref says the principlists should take responsbility for what they have done [to the economy] instead of pointing the blame at the "deviant current"