Hardliner Withdraws From Iranian Presidential Election

Was getting little traction in a crowded field

A hardline Iranian presidential candidate withdrew Monday from the race to boost the chances of fellow conservatives, the media reported.

Gholam Ali Haddad Adel said on comments broadcast on state TV that he was getting out of the race because he wanted to "avoid the defeat" of his political allies. But Adel runs last among the eight candidates in most polls and his withdrawal is not expected to change the election equation.