That sets up a potential clash for Khameini, who ultimately will decide the victor of the election and who could be forced to choose between two unappetizing options: The stability of current President Hassan Rouhani, who's relatively liberal voice has often frustrated the Supreme Leader, and alienating a large number of constituents who view Ahmadinejad's tough talk as a source of Iranian pride.
This could set up a contest pitting Ahmadinejad, known for his hardline views, against the incumbent President Hassan Rouhani, who has pursued a more moderate path since winning the 2013 election. Without naming the former president, he said one candidate should not seek office as it would bring about a "polarised situation" that would be "harmful for the county".
Associated Press journalists watched as surprised election officials processed Mr Ahmadinejad's paperwork on Wednesday.
Ahmadinejad previously said he would not run and would support his former Deputy Hamid Baghaei, who also registered on Wednesday. There was no immediate reaction from Khamenei's office.
"However, if the eight years (2005-2013) of the Ahmadinejad administration have proven anything, it is that the former president covets conflict and the spotlight nearly as much as he does populism, Islamism, nationalism, and anti-Semitism", said Taleblu. While the deal eased global sanctions in return for curbs on the country's nuclear programme, the trickle-down effects are yet to be felt by many of Iran's 80 million strong population.
Ahmadinejad said his decision to run was meant to help former Vice-President Hamid Baghaei, a close confidant.
Max Verstappen fastest in final practice in Bahrain
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"There is extensive pressure on me from dear people of different walks of life as their small servant to come to the election", said Ahmadinejad on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Iran's Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli announced registration of candidates for Iran's 12th presidential race in capital Tehran.
Global economic sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear ambitions have been eased since the negotiation of a landmark 2015 deal that limits its nuclear program.
Prior to his registration, Ahmadinejad had shifted over the issue puzzlingly within months.
Before the former president can run again, he has to be approved by Iran's Guardian Council. The Guardian Council, a body of jurists and clerics who are close to Khamenei, vets all candidates before any elections in Iran, in a process that has been the subject of controversy. Accompanying the two was Esfandiar Rahim-Mashaei, another former Ahmadinejad aide. The council normally does not approve dissidents or women for the formal candidate list.
In July 2015, Iran signed the USA -led nuclear deal, lifting economic sanctions and filling the coffers of the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism with billions of dollars. The election on 19 May is being seen by many in Iran as a referendum on the 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers and its ability to improve the country's sanctions-hobbled economy.
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