Establishment figure challenging authorities

THE man posing the biggest political challenge to Iranian authorities in three decades is a veteran of the Islamic revolution and an unlikely champion of reform.

Mir Hossain Mousavi, left, enjoys the support of leading Iranian reformists, and broke new ground in the socially conservative country by campaigning with his wife, a prominent academic. He is an establishment figure, who has served eight years as prime minister.

He supports detente with Iran's western foes, but rejects their main demand – an end to uranium enrichment.

He backs responsible economic and foreign policy, and an easing of social restrictions on women.