Iran's ex-president Mohammad Khatami has withdrawn from the June presidential election.
'He has taken a decision to withdraw. We will officially announce it tonight or tomorrow in a statement,' an aide said.
The decision is seen as a move to secure support from the electorate for Mir Hossein Mousavi, another reformist candidate who is running for the presidency.
Mehr news agency reported over the weekend that Mr Khatami had indicated his plan to withdraw from the vote during a recent meeting with his campaign officials.
'Opponents want to divide my supporters and supporters of Mousavi,' Mr Khatami was quoted as saying.
'It is not in our interest. Also some conservatives are supporting Mousavi. He (Mousavi) thinks that we have to change the situation. Mousavi is popular and will be able to execute his plans and I prefer he stays in the race.'
Former Iranian parliament speaker Mehdi Karroubi is also planning to run in the 12 June election, while incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is yet to officially announce his candidacy.
Mr Khatami, 65, was president of Iran between 1997 and 2005.
Mr Mousavi was Iran's last prime minister between 1981 and 1989.
Iran scrapped the post of prime minister when the constitution was revised in 1989.
Presidential candidates have to register officially with the interior ministry over a five-day period starting on 5 May.
