Mahmoud Ahmadinejad registers for Iran's presidential election

Iran's former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad unexpectedly filed to run in the country's presidential election.

Ahmadinejad's decision will upend an election many believed would be won by moderate President Hassan Rouhani. Though Rouhani has yet to formally register, many viewed him as a shoe-in following Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's recommendation in September for Ahmadinejad to stand down, Associated Press reported.

Ahmadinejad said his decision to run was intended to help former Vice President Hamid Baghaei, a close confidant. Baghaei registered alongside Ahmadinejad on Wednesday.