Tehran: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declared himself as a candidate on Friday for a second term as the Islamic republic's president and told AFP he was "hopeful" of winning the June 12 election.
After registering, Ahmadinejad said he wanted to serve Iranians for a second time. "I just think about serving the people," he said.
When asked about the possible outcome of the election, the hardline leader replied: "When a nation comes to the arena the result is always good and surprising, and I am hopeful."
Ahmadinejad said the election "must consolidate the nation's unity and help in the progress of the country."
"Each election must be a step forward in achieving the objectives of the nation. Everybody must give what he has because this election will determine the country's next four years," he told reporters.
In his four years as president, Ahmadinejad has earned the wrath of global powers for his anti-Israel tirades and for doggedly pursuing Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
If re-elected, Ahmadinejad will remain at the helm at a time when a new chapter is opening in relations between Tehran and Washington.
Reformist former parliament speaker Mehdi Karroubi and moderate former prime minister Mir Hossein Mousavi are also expected to stand.