Iran's presidential hopeful supports "resistance" against nuclear pressure

A man holds up a poster of Iran's chief nuclear negotiator and presidential candidate Saeed Jalili at Enghelab (Revolution) street in downtown Tehran, May 31, 2013. (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz)

Iran's conservative presidential candidate Saeed Jalili said Wednesday that "resistance" against the enemies' pressure over the country's nuclear issue is the " most realistic approach."

Jalili, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, said thanks to its resistance, the Iranian nation has become a regional and international power, during a speech made to his supporters in the capital Tehran on the last day of his campaign.

All campaigns have to end by on 8:00 a.m. (0330 GMT) Thursday, 24 hours before the election begins on Friday.

Jalili, 48, is challenged not only by his moderate rival Hassan Rouhani, but also his fellow principlist candidate Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, Tehran's Mayor, and independent candidate Mohsen Rezaei, a former military commander.

Jalili has said he will not drop his bid in favor of any other candidate, and pledged not to give in on Iran's nuclear rights but to pursue a policy of resistance against the West's pressure if he wins the election.

According to Iran's Interior Ministry, nearly 50.5 million eligible voters will cast ballot for the candidates qualified by Iran's Guardian Council of Constitution.