Iran's Constitutional Structure
The Velayat-e Faqih System
Iran is an Islamic Republic governed under the principle of Velayat-e Faqih (Rule of the Supreme Jurist) — a political-theological doctrine developed by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and institutionalised in Iran's 1979 Constitution. Under this system, supreme authority rests not with elected officials but with a qualified Islamic jurist.
- The Supreme Leader (Rahbar) sits at the apex of Iran's political system — above the President, Parliament, and judiciary. The current position combines political, military, and religious authority.
- The Supreme Leader commands the armed forces (including the IRGC), appoints the heads of the judiciary, state radio/TV, and the Guardian Council's clerical members, and approves presidential candidates through the Guardian Council.
- Khomeini (1979-1989) was the first Supreme Leader; Khamenei (1989-2026) was the second — serving 37 years.
- Key institutions in Iran's system:
- Assembly of Experts (Majles Khobregan): 88 elected clerics; 8-year terms; sole authority to appoint, supervise, and dismiss the Supreme Leader.
- Guardian Council (Shora-ye Negahban): 12 members (6 Islamic jurists appointed by Supreme Leader + 6 lawyers nominated by judiciary, approved by Parliament); vets legislation for compliance with Islamic law and the Constitution; vets candidates for elections.
- Expediency Council (Majma-e Tashkhis-e Maslahat): Resolves disputes between Parliament and Guardian Council; advises the Supreme Leader on policy.
- President: Elected directly; head of executive branch; but subordinate to Supreme Leader.
● Tracked since March 01, 2026 · last seen March 09, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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