When Iran holds state-run ceremonies this week for an important Islamic feast day, there will be one very noticeable change: former President Hashemi Rafsanjani will not be leading the prayers.

The removal of Rafsanjani from the high-profile role is the latest slap by the ruling establishment against the single figure they may fear most — a powerful combination of elder statesman, super-wealthy tycoon and head of the only group empowered to remove Iran’s supreme leader.