Knowra Supreme Leader of Iran Supreme Leader of Iran The Supreme Leader is Iran’s highest-ranking political and religious authority, with constitutional powers over major state institutions and national policy.
Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran : Iran’s supreme legal framework, adopted after the 1979 revolution and revised in 1989. It defines the Leader’s powers, appointment, and relationship to other state institutions.
Iranian Revolution : The 1978–1979 upheaval that ended the Pahlavi monarchy and established the Islamic Republic of Iran. The revolution created the state whose new constitution established the Supreme Leader’s office.
President of Iran : The elected head of Iran’s executive branch, subordinate to the Supreme Leader in the constitutional order. The president leads the government, but the Supreme Leader holds broader authority and command.
Iranian presidential election : A national election that chooses Iran’s president from candidates approved by the Guardian Council. Candidate vetting and the Leader’s institutional influence shape the choices available to voters.
Assembly of Experts : An elected clerical body constitutionally responsible for appointing, supervising, and dismissing Iran’s Supreme Leader. It formally selects the Leader and can remove one who no longer meets constitutional qualifications.
Ruhollah Khomeini : The Iranian Shia cleric who led the 1979 revolution and became the Islamic Republic’s first Supreme Leader. His political authority and interpretation of guardianship shaped the office’s founding form.
Majlis of Iran : Iran’s elected unicameral parliament, which legislates subject to Guardian Council review. The Majlis exercises legislative authority, but its laws can be blocked through the Leader-linked review system.
Iranian parliamentary election : An election for Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly, whose candidates are screened by the Guardian Council. The Leader’s influence over the Council affects which political currents can compete.
Guardian Council : A twelve-member Iranian body that reviews legislation and supervises elections and candidate eligibility. The Leader appoints half its members and indirectly shapes the rest through judicial appointments.
1989 Iranian constitutional referendum : A referendum approving constitutional amendments in Iran following Ruhollah Khomeini’s death. The amendments removed the marja requirement and strengthened the presidency while redefining succession.
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