Presidential elections were held in Iran on 23 May 1997, which resulted in an unpredicted win for the reformist candidate Mohammad Khatami.

The election was notable not only for the lopsided majority of the winner - 70% - but for the high turnout.

[3] The Council of Guardians blocked 234 candidates from running for the presidency because they lacked the religious and political qualifications.

[9] Khatami ran on a platform of political liberalization at home and détente abroad[10] and expressed support for the easing Islamic regulations "from women's dress to whether TV satellite dishes should be allowed.

"[11] During the elections, neutrality of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) became a subject of dispute, as the organization was accused of supporting Nateq-Nouri and promoting conservative agenda.