Following the 1979 revolution, Iran is now an Islamic Republic. Under the constitution, all democratic procedures and rights in Iran are subordinate to the Supreme Leader and the Guardian Council, who have an understanding that God›s divine nature is fundamental in setting laws, and their laws are based on Islamic principles. Therefore, Iran›s political system combines elements of democracy and religion.
The Supreme Leader is the head of state and the highest ranking religious and political authority in Iran. His role is to oversee and coordinate the main policies of the government, control the armed forces and make the final decisions on security, defense and major foreign policy issues. The current Supreme Leader is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been in this position since 1989.
The Supreme Leader appoints the Head of Justice, six of the members of the Guardian Council, the Expediency Council, the Commanders of the armed forces and the head of the National Radio and TV Institution. The Supreme Leader is chosen by the Assembly of Experts and relies on these Experts and the Expediency Council to facilitate decision making and resolve administrative conflicts between the three branches; judicial, legislative and executive.
