Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

Devers, Hamilton homer, Red Sox rally from 4-run deficit to outlast Blue Jays 7-6

Sport

Devers, Hamilton homer, Red Sox rally from 4-run deficit to outlast Blue Jays 7-6
Sport

Sport

Devers, Hamilton homer, Red Sox rally from 4-run deficit to outlast Blue Jays 7-6

2024-06-25 19:29 Last Updated At:19:31

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics made Fenway Park the latest stop on their post-NBA championship tour.

The Red Sox marked the occasion by coming through with what manager Alex Cora called perhaps their best win of the season.

More Images
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier dives but can't make the play on a double by Boston Red Sox's Tyler O'Neill during the eighth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics made Fenway Park the latest stop on their post-NBA championship tour.

Boston Celtics' Derrick White lifts the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy during the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics' Derrick White lifts the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy during the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox pitcher Isaiah Campbell (44) waits for Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to round the bases, after Guerrero's three-run home run, during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox pitcher Isaiah Campbell (44) waits for Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to round the bases, after Guerrero's three-run home run, during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Justin Turner dashes down the first base line on his RBI single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Justin Turner dashes down the first base line on his RBI single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshida watches the flight of his single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshida watches the flight of his single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger, right, scores on an RBI single by Kevin Kiermaier during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. At left is Boston Red Sox catcher Reese McGuire. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger, right, scores on an RBI single by Kevin Kiermaier during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. At left is Boston Red Sox catcher Reese McGuire. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr.(27) is congratulated by George Springer after his three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr.(27) is congratulated by George Springer after his three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. watches the flight of his three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. watches the flight of his three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers is congratulated after his two-run home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers is congratulated after his two-run home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran is doused with water after his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran is doused with water after his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers watches his two-run home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers watches his two-run home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Ceddanne Rafaela, left, legs out a single, as Toronto Blue Jays first base Vladimir Guerrero Jr., right, waits for the ball, during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Ceddanne Rafaela, left, legs out a single, as Toronto Blue Jays first base Vladimir Guerrero Jr., right, waits for the ball, during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran watches his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran watches his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran, center, is doused with water after his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran, center, is doused with water after his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Devers, Hamilton homer, Red Sox rally from 4-run deficit to outlast Blue Jays 7-6

Devers, Hamilton homer, Red Sox rally from 4-run deficit to outlast Blue Jays 7-6

Devers, Hamilton homer, Red Sox rally from 4-run deficit to outlast Blue Jays 7-6

Devers, Hamilton homer, Red Sox rally from 4-run deficit to outlast Blue Jays 7-6

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran celebrates after his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran celebrates after his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Jarren Duran drove in Ceddanne Rafaela with a ninth-inning single to help the Red Sox cap a furious rally and beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-6 on Monday night.

Rafael Devers and David Hamilton both added two-run home runs for Boston, which has won 10 of its last 12 and is a season-high seven games over .500 at 43-36.

“They’re feeling good about themselves. It feels like we can do damage at anytime," Cora said. "We’ll see where it takes us.”

Toronto’s seven-game losing streak is its longest since September 2019.

Kenley Jansen (3-1) pitched a scoreless inning to get the win.

Rafaela chopped a grounder off Toronto reliever Zach Pop (0-2) to Spencer Horwitz to lead off the ninth, but Horwitz had trouble getting the ball out of his glove, allowing Rafaela to reach safely.

Pop balked, allowing Rafaela to advance to second. Duran then singled to right allowing Rafaela to score, sliding past George Springer's throw home.

It was Boston's third walk-off victory and 17th comeback win of the season.

“That was my first walk-off, so have to put it at the top,” Duran said. “We went down and we fought back. We never gave up. ... We just did everything right today and we kept it really, really simple and just kept rolling.”

Toronto appeared to be in control after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a towering three-run home run over the Green Monster and out of Fenway Park during a five-run seventh inning to put the Blue Jays in front 6-2.

The next inning Celtics star Derrick White was shown on the video screen wearing a “Baseball Isn't Boring” T-shirt.

Not long after Toronto starter Chris Bassitt was replaced by Nate Pearson in the eighth, and Pearson gave up a two-run homer to Hamilton that brought Boston within 6-4.

Left-hander Tim Mayza came on for Pearson with two out the inning and yielded a single to Devers. Tyler O'Neill doubled up the middle, moving Devers to third. Rob Refsnyder was then intentionally walked to load the bases.

Romy Gonzalez hit a line drive to left field that scored Devers and O'Neill to tie the game.

Bassitt allowed five hits and two runs over seven innings.

Boston starter Tanner Houck allowed five hits, three runs and struck out over 6 2/3 innings.

“There’s only one chance to have the NBA champions in your clubhouse,” Cora said. “I think it was a good night at Fenway.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Blue Jays: Shortstop Bo Bichette (right calf strain) could be activated as early as Tuesday. The injury sent him to the IL on June 15.

Red Sox: First baseman Triston Casas received another MRI on the rib strain that’s kept him sidelined for the past 57 games. He told reporters he got the additional imaging because he has been feeling good lately. “We want to make sure everything is good before I start letting it rip.” ... C Connor Wong was placed on the paternity list.

CHAMPS VISIT

The Celtics interacted with Red Sox players in the clubhouse before the game and took the field for a pregame ceremony.

Team owners, front office members, coaching staff and players all walked on wearing Red Sox jerseys. Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were the last to enter, jointly toting the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Tatum, Brown, White, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford then all threw out ceremonial first pitches.

UP NEXT

RHP Kevin Gausman (5-6, 4.24 ERA) is set to make his 16th start Tuesday for Toronto. He gave up five runs over 5 2/3 innings in a 7-3 loss to Boston last week. RHP Brayan Bello (7-4, 4.83) gets the nod for the Red Sox. He gave up two runs over six innings to outduel Gausman last week.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier dives but can't make the play on a double by Boston Red Sox's Tyler O'Neill during the eighth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier dives but can't make the play on a double by Boston Red Sox's Tyler O'Neill during the eighth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics' Derrick White lifts the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy during the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics' Derrick White lifts the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy during the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox pitcher Isaiah Campbell (44) waits for Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to round the bases, after Guerrero's three-run home run, during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox pitcher Isaiah Campbell (44) waits for Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to round the bases, after Guerrero's three-run home run, during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Justin Turner dashes down the first base line on his RBI single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Justin Turner dashes down the first base line on his RBI single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshida watches the flight of his single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshida watches the flight of his single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger, right, scores on an RBI single by Kevin Kiermaier during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. At left is Boston Red Sox catcher Reese McGuire. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger, right, scores on an RBI single by Kevin Kiermaier during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. At left is Boston Red Sox catcher Reese McGuire. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr.(27) is congratulated by George Springer after his three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr.(27) is congratulated by George Springer after his three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. watches the flight of his three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. watches the flight of his three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers is congratulated after his two-run home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers is congratulated after his two-run home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran is doused with water after his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran is doused with water after his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers watches his two-run home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers watches his two-run home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Ceddanne Rafaela, left, legs out a single, as Toronto Blue Jays first base Vladimir Guerrero Jr., right, waits for the ball, during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Ceddanne Rafaela, left, legs out a single, as Toronto Blue Jays first base Vladimir Guerrero Jr., right, waits for the ball, during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran watches his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran watches his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran, center, is doused with water after his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran, center, is doused with water after his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Devers, Hamilton homer, Red Sox rally from 4-run deficit to outlast Blue Jays 7-6

Devers, Hamilton homer, Red Sox rally from 4-run deficit to outlast Blue Jays 7-6

Devers, Hamilton homer, Red Sox rally from 4-run deficit to outlast Blue Jays 7-6

Devers, Hamilton homer, Red Sox rally from 4-run deficit to outlast Blue Jays 7-6

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran celebrates after his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran celebrates after his walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Iranians are voting on Friday to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a May helicopter crash in the country's northwest along with the foreign minister and several other officials.

Analysts broadly describe the race as a three-way contest. There are two hard-liners, former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and the parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. Then there’s the reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian, who has aligned himself with those seeking a return to the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

After record-low turnout in recent elections, it remains unclear how many Iranians will take part in Friday’s poll.

While 85-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has final say on all matters of state, presidents can bend Iran toward confrontation or negotiations with the West.

Currently:

— As Iran’s presidential vote looms, tensions boil over regarding a renewed headscarf crackdown.

— An analysis explores how no matter who wins Iran’s election, much may hinge for Tehran on the ‘Great Satan,’ the United States.

— A “Hamster” cryptocurrency craze gripping Iran highlights its economic malaise.

— A timeline explores the longtime tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.

— Iran’s imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, who already called for a boycott of the vote, is been sentenced to another year in prison.

— Follow AP’s coverage of the Iranian presidential election at https://apnews.com/hub/iran.

Here is the latest:

As Iranian state TV showed people lined up to vote, most of the polling stations The Associated Press visited in early hours of voting — mostly on the north side of Tehran — were not crowded.

Mahmoud Darrehei, a 49-year-old teacher, said he voted for heart surgeon Masoud Pezeshkian, the only reformist candidate in the race. “This is the first time I've voted since 2005," adding that he saw Pezeshkian as able to solve problems caused by years of hard-line governments.

At another polling station, Maryam Aalipour, 32, a mother of two clad head-to-toe in a black veil, said she voted for hard-line former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. “He is the cleanest candidate in the election. He knows all problems of the country and he is able to resist the U.S. pressures," she said.

Aria Rahimi, a 37-year-old who runs in a shop in Tehran's upmarket Mandela Street, said he voted for Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the speaker of parliament. “I voted for Qalibaf before opening the shop," he said. "We need a president who has experience in managing some important body like parliament or police. Qalibaf is the best among them in this regard."

As voters cast ballots in Iran’s presidential election, some are sharing their thoughts with The Associated Press.

Toosi, who gave only his first name, said he would cast his ballot for someone “who listens to the leader, is revolutionary and is loyal to the principles of the revolution.”

"Someone who’s not focused on the West, but focusing on our domestic capacities, on our youth," he added. “Someone who is obsessed about the people and has plans for future and has a very good track record.”

Toosi’s comments tracked with what others supporting a hard-line view have said in the campaign.

Another voter, who gave his name as Ghoochian, said he backed Masoud Pezeshkian, the race’s sole reformist candidate.

“I’ve know him for years,” the man said. “His stances, honesty and wholesomeness make him the best option. That’s why I voted for him.”

A former Iranian foreign minister who reached the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers has offered a positive assessment of the chances of the sole reformist candidate in Iran’s presidential election.

Mohammad Javad Zarif spoke Friday at a polling station in Tehran after casting his ballot. Zarif has been a key advocate for the heart surgeon Masoud Pezeshkian, who faces three hard-liners in the election.

“Hopefully, people will go and choose for themselves, and hopefully, if there is a large turnout, it will become clear who is the majority and who is the minority,” Zarif said.

Zarif also quoted what he said was a foreign proverb abroad, that bad politicians are elected by good people who do not vote. “Now is an opportunity to vote,” he added.

Zarif and Pezeshkian received a thinly veiled warning from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier in the week over their desire to negotiate with the West, particularly the United States.

Iran’s acting president Mohammad Mokhber has cast his vote and said that there are no security concerns in election.

“We have no security concerns for the elections,” Mokhber said in comments aired by state television. “The polling stations and its branches are properly placed in such a way that there is no point in the country or even outside the country where voting is not possible.”

Mokhber has served as acting president in the wake of the May helicopter crash that killed President Ebrahim Raisi. He was Raisi’s first vice president, but did not apply to run in the election.

Iran’s supreme leader called on the public to vote in the snap election to replace hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave brief remarks Friday, speaking to journalists gathered in Tehran to cover him voting.

“I don’t see any reason for doubt,” Khamenei said at the ceremony in a mosque attached to his offices.

Khamenei said a high turnout was a “definite need” for the Islamic Republic. He also called the election an “important political test.”

Raisi, 63, had been seen as a protégé of Khamenei and a possible successor for the supreme leader position in Iran, which has final say over all matters of state in the Shiite theocracy.

Any Iranian 18 or older can vote in Friday’s election. There are 58,640 polling centers around the country, set up in mosques, schools and other public buildings. A voter first needs to show their national ID card and fill out a form. They then dip an index fingers in ink, making a print on the form, while officials stamp their ID so they can’t vote twice. On the secret ballot, a voter writes down the name and the numerical code of the candidate they are voting for and drops it into a ballot box. Voting lasts from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., though authorities routinely keep polls open at least several hours later.

Iranian presidents serve four-year terms and are limited to serving two terms. Iran’s president is subordinate to the supreme leader and over the recent years, the supreme leader’s power appears to have grown stronger amid tensions with the West. However, a president can bend the state’s policies on both domestic issue and foreign affairs. Former President Hassan Rouhani, for example, struck the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers with the blessing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The hard-line tact taken by the late President Ebrahim Raisi also had Khamenei’s backing.

Iran describes itself as an Islamic Republic. The Shiite theocracy holds elections and has elected representatives passing laws and governing on behalf of its people. However, the supreme leader has the final say on all state matters and the Guardian Council must approve all laws passed by the parliament. Those who led Iran’s Green Movement after hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s disputed 2009 re-election remain under house arrest. Security forces answering only to the supreme leader also routinely arrest dual nationals and foreigners, using them as pawns in international negotiations. Mass protests in recent years have seen bloody crackdowns on dissent. Meanwhile, hard-liners now hold all levers of power within the country. The Guardian Council approves all candidates and also has never allowed a woman to run for president. It routinely rejects candidates calling for dramatic reform, stifling change.

Iranian citizens gather to cast their votes during the presidential election at a polling station inside the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians are voting to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash in May along with the country's foreign minister and several other officials.(AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

Iranian citizens gather to cast their votes during the presidential election at a polling station inside the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians are voting to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash in May along with the country's foreign minister and several other officials.(AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves to media after casting his vote during the presidential election in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians were voting Friday in a snap election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash last month, as public apathy has become pervasive in the Islamic Republic after years of economic woes, mass protests and tensions in the Middle East. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves to media after casting his vote during the presidential election in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians were voting Friday in a snap election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash last month, as public apathy has become pervasive in the Islamic Republic after years of economic woes, mass protests and tensions in the Middle East. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

A woman casts her vote during the presidential election at a polling station inside the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians were voting Friday in a snap election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash last month, as public apathy has become pervasive in the Islamic Republic after years of economic woes, mass protests and tensions in the Middle East. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

A woman casts her vote during the presidential election at a polling station inside the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians were voting Friday in a snap election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash last month, as public apathy has become pervasive in the Islamic Republic after years of economic woes, mass protests and tensions in the Middle East. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

Iranian citizens wait in queue to cast their votes during the presidential election at a polling station inside the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians are voting in a presidential election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash in May along with the country's foreign minister and several other officials. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

Iranian citizens wait in queue to cast their votes during the presidential election at a polling station inside the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians are voting in a presidential election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash in May along with the country's foreign minister and several other officials. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

A man casts his ballot during the presidential election as he holds a picture of the late President Ebrahim Raisi in a polling station, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians were voting Friday in a snap election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash last month, as public apathy has become pervasive in the Islamic Republic after years of economic woes, mass protests and tensions in the Middle East. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

A man casts his ballot during the presidential election as he holds a picture of the late President Ebrahim Raisi in a polling station, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians were voting Friday in a snap election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash last month, as public apathy has become pervasive in the Islamic Republic after years of economic woes, mass protests and tensions in the Middle East. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian citizens wait in queue to cast their votes during the presidential election at a polling station inside the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians are voting in a presidential election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash in May along with the country's foreign minister and several other officials. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

Iranian citizens wait in queue to cast their votes during the presidential election at a polling station inside the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians are voting in a presidential election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash in May along with the country's foreign minister and several other officials. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

A woman casts her vote during the presidential election at a polling station inside the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, June 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

A woman casts her vote during the presidential election at a polling station inside the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, June 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks after casting his vote during the presidential election in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians were voting Friday in a snap election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash last month, as public apathy has become pervasive in the Islamic Republic after years of economic woes, mass protests and tensions in the Middle East. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks after casting his vote during the presidential election in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians were voting Friday in a snap election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash last month, as public apathy has become pervasive in the Islamic Republic after years of economic woes, mass protests and tensions in the Middle East. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei leaves after casting his vote during the presidential election, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians were voting Friday in a snap election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash last month, as public apathy has become pervasive in the Islamic Republic after years of economic woes, mass protests and tensions in the Middle East. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei leaves after casting his vote during the presidential election, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 28, 2024. Iranians were voting Friday in a snap election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash last month, as public apathy has become pervasive in the Islamic Republic after years of economic woes, mass protests and tensions in the Middle East. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Reformist candidate for Iran's presidential election Masoud Pezeshkian waves to his supporters in his campaign meeting in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Reformist candidate for Iran's presidential election Masoud Pezeshkian waves to his supporters in his campaign meeting in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the most prominent hard-line candidate for the presidential election, speaks in his campaign gathering in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the most prominent hard-line candidate for the presidential election, speaks in his campaign gathering in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

A supporter of Saeed Jalili, a candidate for the presidential election, holds his poster as he flashes a victory sign during a campaign gathering in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

A supporter of Saeed Jalili, a candidate for the presidential election, holds his poster as he flashes a victory sign during a campaign gathering in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Supporters of reformist candidate for Iran's presidential election Masoud Pezeshkian attend his campaign meeting in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Supporters of reformist candidate for Iran's presidential election Masoud Pezeshkian attend his campaign meeting in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Recommended Articles