The lines of authority in the Islamic republic all stem from the supreme leader

By Carlos Coelho |

ELECTED INSTITUTIONS

UNELECTED INSTITUTIONS

THIS IS HOW IRAN IS RULED

INTERACTIVE INFOGRAPHIC

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (1989 to present) Virtually all decisions run through the supreme leader, Iran's highest religious and political authority. He appoints the heads of the armed forces, the judiciary, broadcasting, and six members of the Guardians Council.

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The supreme leader mantains security by choosing the heads of the three branches of the armed forces: - Army - Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - Police

The head of the judiciary, appointed by the supreme leader, is responsible for choosing the head of the Supreme Court, the chief public prosecutor, and for nominating six jurists to the Guardians Council.

Selected by the supreme leader, the Expediency Council acts as his advisory board and mediates in disputes between parliament and the Guardians Council.

The Guardians Council also holds the power to veto any legislation passed by parliament that it deems to be against the values of the Islamic republic.

This unelected 12-member body boasts significant legislative and judicial clout. It is composed of six experts in Islamic law, selected by the supreme leader, along with six jurists nominated by the head of the judiciary and approved by the Majlis. It decides on candidates for president, the Assembly of Experts, and parliament.

Primarily responsible for guiding domestic policy, the president is checked by the constitution, which assigns executive powers to the supreme leader.

In addition to introducing and passing laws (subject to the Guardian Council's approval), Iran's parliament is tasked with approving the six Guardians Council members appointed by the head of the judiciary.

The president exercises some control through his cabinet, which must be approved by parliament.

This body, whose members are culled from 36 constituencies and elected to eight-year terms, appoints and monitors the performance of the supreme leader.

The supreme leader wields control over Iranian media by appointing the head of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, which holds a monopoly on domestic radio and television.

ELECTED INSTITUTIONS

THIS IS HOW IRAN IS RUN

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UNELECTED INSTITUTIONS

This unelected 12-member body boasts significant legislative and judicial clout. It is composed of six experts in Islamic law, selected by the supreme leader, along with six jurists nominated by the head of the judiciary and approved by the Majles. It decides on candidates for president, the Assembly of Experts, and parliament.