Former Iranian President Mohammed Khatami declared Feb. 8 he would run again for president, setting the stage for a major political showdown pitting the popular reformist leader ― who made dialogue with the West a centerpiece of his eight years in office — against the country's ruling hard-liners.

Khatami's comeback candidacy poses a serious challenge to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose mixture of anti-Western rhetoric and fiery nationalism sharply contrasts Khatami's tempered tones, and appeals for global dialogue.

"I seriously announce my candidacy in the next (presidential) election," Khatami said after a meeting with his supporters.

He said he decided to seek the presidency in the June 12 vote because it was impossible for someone like himself who was interested in the fate of Iran to remain silent. The 65-year-old liberal cleric said he is "attached to the country's greatness and the people's right to have control over their own fate."