But her past calls for the freeing of political prisoners, including journalists and activists, have fallen on deaf ears.
Despite loud calls for reform in Iran, the political strength of hard-liners has grown since last year's legislative elections that returned parliamentary power to conservatives.
While saying she would "never" seek elected office, her voice could be important in deciding who will attempt to succeed Khatami this year.
Iran's hard-line Guardian Council, which vets elections, has not allowed women to run, an interpretation of the Constitution many disagree.
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