The BBC's criticism comes as millions of Iranians are preparing to vote in the Friday poll. Six candidates are vying for the job, with momentum recently building around moderate cleric Hassan Rowhani. But he faces a tough challenge from hardline candidates like top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and Tehran mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

Qalibaf, who is the mayor of Tehran, also cited national solidarity, active regional diplomacy, economic diplomacy, public diplomacy, and prudent resistance as the most important tools for activating the country’s diplomacy on the global stage.