Velayat-e-Faqih
The Doctrine of Supreme Leadership
Velayat-e-faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist) is the founding constitutional and theological doctrine of the Islamic Republic of Iran, introduced by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. It holds that in the absence of the Hidden (Twelfth) Imam of Shia Islam, political authority must be exercised by the most qualified Islamic jurist. This concept transformed Iran from a constitutional monarchy into a theocratic republic.
- Enshrined in Articles 5, 107, and 110 of the Iranian Constitution (1979, revised 1989).
- The Supreme Leader holds powers over all three branches of government, commands armed forces, declares war and peace, and appoints heads of judiciary and security forces.
- The doctrine combines elements of democracy (elected Assembly of Experts) and theocracy (religious qualification requirement for the leader).
- Khomeini held the position from 1979 until his death in 1989; Khamenei has held it from 1989 until 2026.
● Tracked since March 01, 2026 · last seen March 14, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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