who is the leader of iran

Who elects the Supreme Leader in Iran?

The Assembly of Experts for the Leadership (Majles-e Khobragan Rahbari) is Iran’s only constitutional body with the authority to appoint and dismiss the supreme leader. The members are popularly elected every eight years. But candidates, all Islamic scholars and jurists, have been vetted to exclude reformers or critics since 1991.

Who is the most powerful in Iran?

• Ayatullah Khamenei as the supreme leader of Iran is the most powerful person/authorities in Iran.
• The second one is President Rouhani.
• The third one might be the master of Parliment (Larijani)

What does the leader of Iran have to do?

The Supreme Leader has ultimate power in Iran. He has the final say on the most important issues, and shapes its policies and approach to the outside world. Iran is the most powerful Shia country in the world and under Ali Khamenei's leadership it has sought to expand its influence in the Middle East.

Who really rules Iran?

Iran is the only country whose executive does not control the armed forces. In fact, though the president has nominal rule over the Supreme National Security Council and the Ministry of Intelligence and Security, in practice the Supreme Leader dictates all matters of foreign and domestic security.

Who is the main leader of Iran?

In its history, the Islamic Republic of Iran only has had two Supreme Leaders: Khomeini, who held the position from 1979 until his death in 1989 and Ali Khamenei, who has held the position for 30+ years since Khomeini's death.

Who is in power Iran?

There have been only two Supreme Leaders since the founding of the Islamic Republic, and the current leader (Ali Khamenei), has been in power since 1989.

Who leads the country of Iran?

The current long-time Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, ruling Iran for more than three decades, has issued decrees and made final decisions on economy, education, environment, foreign policy, national planning, and almost everything else in the country.

Who is the best friend of Iran?

Syria. Syria and Iran are strategic allies. Syria is often called Iran's "closest ally", the Arab nationalism ideology of Syria's ruling Baath party notwithstanding.

Which country is friends with Iran?

China and India have also emerged as friends of Iran; these three countries face similar challenges in the global economy as they industrialize, and consequently find themselves aligned on a number of issues. Iran maintains regular diplomatic and commercial relations with Russia and the former Soviet Republics.

How rich is Iran in the world?

With 10% of the world's proven oil reserves and 15% of its gas reserves, Iran is considered an "energy superpower"....Economy of Iran.StatisticsPopulation86,758,304 (2022)GDP$1.974 trillion (nominal, 2022) $1.599 trillion (PPP, 2022)GDP rank11th (nominal, 2022) 21st (PPP, 2022)37 more rows

Is Iran poor than India?

Iran has a GDP per capita of $20,100 as of 2017, while in India, the GDP per capita is $7,200 as of 2017. In Iran, 18.7% live below the poverty line as of 2007. In India, however, that number is 21.9% as of 2011.

Who supports Iran war?

Who supported Iran during the Iran-Iraq War? During the Iran-Iraq War, Iran's only major allies were Syria and Libya. Iraq's war effort was openly financed by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other neighboring Arab states and was tacitly supported by the United States and the Soviet Union.

What type of government does Iran have 2022?

For over a century, the Iranian people have struggled toward democracy. During the last 40 years, however, after the ousting of the Shah, the Iranian people have been subjugated by an oppressive theocracy called the “Islamic Republic,” with a religious “Supreme Leader” overseeing all aspects of Iranian life.

Is the Taliban in Iran?

Thus members of the Taliban are located in the cities of Mashhad, Yazd and Kerman in Iran.

Is Iran a military power?

Iranian Armed Forces are the largest in the Middle East in terms of active troops. Iran's military forces are made up of approximately 610,000 active-duty personnel plus 350,000 reserve and trained personnel that can be mobilized when needed, bringing the country's military manpower to about 960,000 total personnel.

Is Iran a nuclear power country?

Iran's nuclear program was launched in the 1950s with the help of the United States under the Atoms for Peace program, and in 1970, Iran ratified the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), limiting its nuclear program to peaceful use, and making its nuclear program subject to inspection by the International Atomic Energy ...

Who is the supreme leader of Iran?

What to know about Iran's supreme leader. Ayatollah Khamenei has been Iran's supreme leader since 1989. Here's a brief rundown on the backstory of the long-running head of government. Iran 's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has emerged as one of the most powerful Iranian leaders of the last century and wields control over all aspects ...

What did Khamenei preach?

During the 1979 revolution in Iran, Khamenei preached about overthrowing the shah and resisting the United States and the western world in an effort to reaffirm Islamic values in the Iranian government and avoid any influences that threaten to undermine his autocratic rule and the self-sufficiency of his country.

What is the economic nosedive Iran has faced?

The economic nosedive Iran has faced in recent years has further escalated tensions between Washington and Tehran and encouraged Khamenei to preach resistance of the U.S. In a recent speech he uttered the word "resistance" 70 times and said that it, “unlike surrender, leads to the retreat of the enemy.”

How many terms did Khamenei serve?

He successfully did so and was elected in 1981. He served the maximum two terms and has been Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, ...

How many soldiers did the Iran-Iraq war kill?

The majority of his presidency was enveloped in turmoil, as the Iran-Iraq War brewed, which killed an estimated half a million Iranian and Iraqi soldiers. After serving out his term, he later became the country's supreme leader, despite pushback from some senior clerics that felt he was unqualified for the position.

Did Khamenei give President Rouhani his approval?

Despite being skeptical of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Khamenei reluctantly gave both President Rouhani and the deal -- brokered under the Obama administration -- his approval. Since President Trump pulled out of the deal and exerted hefty sanctions on Iran in an effort to curb their nuclear proliferation, Khamenei has grown increasingly angered and disdainful at the U.S., which he has described as “deceitful, untrustworthy and backstabbing.”

When was Khamenei born?

Khamenei was born on July 16, 1939 , to a traditional family. His father was a cleric, and Khamenei began a religious education at a young age.

What happened to Khamenei in 1981?

He served as the Deputy Minister of Defense. In 1981, he survived an assassination attempt that left his right arm permanently paralyzed. In 1981, the president of Iran was assassinated and Khamenei was elected president.

What is the role of the Supreme Leader?

The supreme leader is responsible for appointing senior officials in the military, judiciary, and the civil government. Initially, the Constitution reserved the office for the highest ranking cleric on religious laws, in 1989, the constitution was amended to allow lower ranking clerics with proficiency in Islamic laws to occupy the office.

Who was the second Supreme Leader of Iran?

Ali Hosseini Khamenei. Ali Hosseini Khamenei became Iran’s second Supreme Leader in 1989 following the death of Ruhollah Khomeini. Before his political life, Khamenei taught in religious schools under the supervision of Ruhollah Khomeini. After the resignation of Hussein-Ali, Khomeini appointed Khamenei to the post of post ...

When did Khomeini return to Iran?

In November 1964, Khomeini was arrested and jailed for six months. He was later exiled to Iraq. On February 1, 1979, he returned to Iran and was received by a large crowd. In 1979, a new constitution was adopted, and Khomeini was instituted as the Supreme Leader.

Who was the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran?

Ruhollah Khomeini was an Iranian revolutionary and religious leader. He was essential in the founding of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979 by assisting in the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy which was led by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

When was Khomeini reelected?

In 1985, he was reelected as the president. After Khomeini’s death, the Assembly of Experts him as a temporary Supreme Leader. On August 6th, 1989, he was confirmed as the new official Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a position he has held ever since.

Who was the first leader of Iran?

The first was Ruhollah Khomeini, who became Iran’s Supreme Leader immediately following the Iranian Revolution, occupying the office from 1979 until his death a decade later. The incumbent Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, took charge of the office shortly thereafter in 1989.

What are the responsibilities of the President?

Powers and responsibilities. Presidential Guard. The President's duties include the following, subject to supervision and approval by the Supreme Leader: Second in command (after Supreme Leader) of the executive branch of government and chairman of the cabinet.

What happens when the President of Iran dies?

According to the Iranian constitution, when the President dies or is impeached, a special provisional Presidential Council temporarily rules in his place until an election can be held. The President automatically becomes the Head of the Supreme National Security Council and the Head of the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution .

What does the council reject?

However, the council rejects the criticism, citing approval of so-called reformists in previous elections. The council rejects most of the candidates stating that they are not "a well-known political figure", a requirement by the current law. The President must be elected with a simple majority of the popular vote.

How many presidential candidates were approved in 1997?

In the 1997 election, for example, only four out of 238 presidential candidates were approved by the council.

What does the President do?

The President functions as the executive of the decrees and wishes of the Supreme Leader, including: signing treaties with foreign countries and international organizations; and administering national planning, budget, and state employment affairs.

How many members are there in the Council of Guardians?

Candidates for the presidency must be approved by the Council of Guardians, a twelve-member body consisting of six clerics (selected by Iran's Supreme Leader) and six lawyers (proposed by the Supreme Leader-appointed head of Iran's judicial system, and voted in by the Parliament).

What is the role of the president of Iran?

The president functions as the executive of the decrees and wishes of the Supreme Leader, including: signing treaties with foreign countries and international organizations; and administering national planning, budget, and state employment affairs. The president also appoints the ministers, subject to the approval of Parliament, and also the Supreme Leader who can dismiss or reinstate any of the ministers and vice presidents at any time, regardless of the president or parliament's decision. The Supreme Leader also directly chooses the ministers of Defense, Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, Interior as well as certain other ministries, such as the Science Ministry. Iran's regional policy is directly controlled by the office of the Supreme Leader with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ task limited to protocol and ceremonial occasions. All of Iran's ambassadors to Arab countries, for example, are chosen by the Quds Corps, which directly reports to the Supreme Leader.

What was the role of Rafsanjani in the 1989 presidential election?

After Ayatollah Khomeini's death and Khamenei's rise to the position of Supreme Leader of Iran ( in which Rafsanjani played a crucial role), Rafsanjani opted to compete in the 1989 Presidential elections. Rafsanjani supports a free market position domestically as well as privatization of state owned assets such as oil companies.

Why was Banisadr chosen as the first President of Iran?

Returning to Iran in 1979 to take part in the Islamic Revolution, Banisadr was seemingly hand-picked as the first President of Iran due to his close ties with Khomeini.

What is Islamic Theocracy?

An Islamic Theocracy is the form of government currently in place in Iran. This kind of government is one in which religious figures retain the rights of leadership, even superseding the power of elected Presidents. This form of government came into effect shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution of Iran and was lead by Ayatollah Khomeini ...

How many votes did Rajai get?

After Banisad's impeachment, Rajai nominated himself for the 1981 Presidential elections (with Ayatollah Khomeini`s endorsement) and won 13 million out of 14.3 million votes (91%). Officially sworn in as President of Iran on the 2nd of August 1981, Rajai was assassinated on 30 August the same year.

What was the first time Khamenei was elected?

Khamenei's election marked the first time an Islamic Cleric had been elected to the office of the President in Iran. His first Presidential speech was a sign of things to come, with Khamenei claiming he would eliminate deviation (from Islam), liberalism, and American-influenced culture as well as political ideals.

Why is Ahmadinejad criticized?

Ahmadinejad has also been criticized for his hostility towards other nations such as the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Israel, as well as other Arab nations within the region.

What is Rafsanjani's political position?

He was also known for a moderate political position internationally (he wishes for Iran to avoid conflict with the United States of America) compared to other Iranian Presidents before him.

What did Khamenei call for?

In 2007, Khamenei called for the privatization of state-owned companies, including the telephone company, three banks and dozens of small oil and petrochemical enterprises. After a few months, at a televised meeting with then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Cabinet ministers, important clerics, the leader of parliament and provincial governors, the heads of state broadcasting and the Iranian chamber of commerce, Khamenei ordered "to pass some laws, sell off some businesses, and be quick about it." Khamenei warned that "those who are hostile to these policies are the ones who are going to lose their interests and influence."

How does Khamenei influence the elections?

As Supreme Leader, Khamenei has influence over elections in Iran since the Constitution of Iran allows him to appoint half of the members of the Guardian Council and the Chief Justice of Iran. The Constitution also establishes that the Council approves or disqualifies candidates for office while the Chief Justice presents the other half of the members of the Council to be selected by Parliament. These constitutional provisions give Khamenei direct and indirect influence over the Council; an entity that, in turn, has direct influence over who can run for government. This influence was evident in the 2004 parliamentary elections, in which the Guardian Council disqualified thousands of candidates from running—including 80 incumbents, many of the reformist members of Parliament, and all the candidates of the Islamic Iran Participation Front party. Subsequently, the conservatives won about 70 percent of parliamentary seats. The election became a key turning point in the country's political evolution as it marked the end of the campaign for political and social reform initiated by former President Mohammad Khatami.

How did Khamenei escape?

Khamenei narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by the Mujahedin-e Khalq when a bomb, concealed in a tape recorder, exploded beside him.

What did Khamenei say about nuclear weapons?

Khamenei has reportedly issued a fatwa saying the production, stockpiling, and use of nuclear weapons was forbidden under Islam.

How many children does Khamenei have?

Khamenei is married to Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, with whom he has six children; four sons ( Mostafa, Mojtaba, Masoud, and Meysam) and two daughters (Boshra and Hoda). One of his sons, Mojtaba, married a daughter of Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel. His eldest son, Mostafa, is married to a daughter of Azizollah Khoshvaght.

Why did Khamenei issue the Fatwa?

The fatwa was issued in an effort to reconcile legal, social, and political disagreements between Sunni and Shia.

What is Setad money used for?

According to The Daily Telegraph, money from Setad is used to fund Khamenei's Beit Rahbari compound, which employs over 500 stewards, as was reported in 2013. Hamid Vaezi, Setad's head of public relations, said the information "was far from realities and is not correct".

Who was the first Iranian president?

Until the early election on July 24, 1981, the duties of the president were undertaken by the Provisional Presidential Council. Mohammad-Ali Rajai was elected president on July 24, 1981 and took office on August 2. Rajai remained in office for less than one month, with both he and his prime minister being assassinated on August 30, 1981. Once again, a Provisional Presidential Council filled the office until October 13, 1981 when Ali Khamenei was elected president.

When did the Iranian Revolution happen?

After the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and referendum to create the Islamic Republic on March 29 and 30, the new government needed to craft a new constitution. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, ordered an election for the Assembly of Experts, the body tasked with writing the constitution. The assembly presented the constitution on October 24, 1979, ...

When was the prime minister removed?

The post of prime minister was abolished in 1989.

Who is the current president of Iran?

The president of Iran is the highest popularly elected official in the country. The current president is Hassan Rouhani, since 3 August 2013

Overview

Background

Qualifications and election

Powers and responsibilities

Oath of office

Commentary on the presidency in constitution

See also