Iran is an Islamic republic. Its political order combines republican institutions, such as elections and a parliament, with institutions based on the official interpretation of Islamic government. The Supreme Leader, commonly called the rahbar, occupies the highest position. This office influences the broad direction of the state and has major authority in areas such as security, the armed forces, broadcasting, and senior appointments. The president leads the executive branch and manages much of the day-to-day work of government. Ministers oversee policy areas, but presidential power is limited by other institutions and by the authority of the Supreme Leader. The national parliament is called the Islamic Consultative Assembly, or Majles. It debates laws, approves the state budget, questions ministers, and can investigate government activity, while its decisions remain subject to institutional review. The Guardian Council reviews legislation for compatibility with the constitution and Islamic principles. It also examines whether people seeking certain elected offices may appear as candidates, which strongly shapes political competition. Other important bodies include the judiciary, the Assembly of Experts, and the Expediency Discernment Council. Their roles include judging legal disputes, selecting and supervising the Supreme Leader, and helping resolve some institutional disagreements. Political activity includes elections, parliamentary debate, public administration, petitions, professional associations, religious networks, and public discussion. Formal political parties exist, but politics often operates through changing groups, personal networks, and broad tendencies commonly described as conservative, reformist, or pragmatic. For everyday life, politics affects education, employment, public conduct, media, economic policy, and relations with other countries. Participation can create channels for local problem-solving, but candidates, speech, organization, and institutional change operate within firm legal and political limits.
Politics in Iran
Politics in Iran combines elected institutions with religious oversight. Citizens elect a president, parliament, and local councils, while the Supreme Leader and several supervisory bodies hold far-reaching authority. Understanding this shared structure helps explain how public decisions are made and limited.
Tip
To understand a political decision in Iran, first identify which institution formally made it and which bodies can review or limit it. Separate elected authority from supervisory authority, because both are part of the same system. For personal participation, begin with lawful local channels and keep a clear record of any request.