Iran pro-reform candidate Mohammad Reza Aref withdraws from election to boost centrist's campaign

TEHRAN, Iran A pro-reform candidate withdrew Tuesday from Iran's June 14 presidential election to support a centrist whose campaign has gained momentum in recent days.

The decision by Mohammad Reza Aref is seen as a major boost for Hasan Rowhani, who now faces off against five conservative candidates.

Aref's website Draref.ir said he made the decision at the urging of reformist ex-president Mohammad Khatami. State TV and media also reported his withdrawal.

• Iran leader tells candidates not to appease West
• Obama orders new sanctions on Iran
• Kerry: Iran election unlikely to alter nuke policy

Aref said he received a message from Khatami telling him that his continued candidacy "is not in the interest" of Iran's reformers.

Aref has been a close ally of Khatami's since his presidency in 1997-2005. Rowhani meanwhile has close ties with both Khatami and another influential former president, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who was barred in May from running in the election by a clerically run constitutional watchdog.

On Monday, a hardline candidate withdrew to avoiding splitting the vote with other conservative candidates.

Under the Iranian system, if no candidate gets a majority in the first round, then the top two have a run-off.

The election will choose a successor for outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadineajd who under the law cannot run for another term.