The hierarchy of leadership in Iran

Iran’s leadership operates under a theocratic-republic system where ultimate authority rests with religious leadership. At the top is the Supreme Leader, currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who oversees the military, judiciary, state media, and sets national policies with final authority over major decisions. The Assembly of Experts, an elected body of Islamic scholars, appoints, supervises, and can remove the Supreme Leader. The President is the highest-ranking elected official, managing laws, the economy, and foreign representation, but remains subordinate to the Supreme Leader. The Guardian Council, a 12-member body, vets laws and election candidates for compliance with Islamic law. The Parliament (Majles) passes legislation subject to Guardian Council approval. The Expediency Discernment Council resolves disputes and advises the Supreme Leader. The Judiciary, headed by a Supreme Leader appointee, oversees courts. The military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operate under the Supreme Leader’s command and wield significant political and economic influence.