Iran''s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will run for president again in June, an aide told Reuters on Wednesday, in the first official confirmation he would seek a second four-year term.

Ahmadinejad''s rivals on June 12 could include moderate politician Mohammad Khatami, whose presidency from 1997 to 2005 was marked by improving ties with the West that have since deteriorated. Khatami has said he is considering whether to run.

"Naturally (Ahmadinejad) will become a candidate for the next election and will put himself before the people''s vote. Of course he is doing this to complete his duties," Aliakbar Javanfekr, a close aide to the president.

Ahmadinejad has been criticized by opponents and some media for economic policies they blame for soaring inflation. Pro- reform politicians in particular have accused the president for further isolating Iran with fiery speeches against the West.

Iran is embroiled in row with the West, which says Tehran wants nuclear weapons. Iran denies this but has had three rounds of U.N. sanctions slapped on it for not halting its atomic work.