Iran Blocks Websites Promoting Khatami

Former Iranian reformist president Mohammad Khatami

TEHRAN -- Iranian authorities have reportedly blocked websites promoting the presidential bid of Mohammad Khatami.

Reformist politician Majid Ansari as said at least two of the websites have been blocked. Khatami's own campaign website was unaffected.

Earlier this month, Khatami, a former president, said that he will run against President Mahmud Ahmadinejad in the June 12 election.

Khatami, a reformist, oversaw a thaw in ties with the West during his 1997-2005 presidency.

In past years, Iranian reformists have suffered setbacks as conservatives have consolidated power. Authorities have shut down many reformist newspapers and have barred thousands of reformist candidates from running in parliamentary elections.

compiled from agency reports