Straight of Hormuz

Quick Facts: Iranian Politics

Official Name:

Islamic Republic of Iran

Legal System:

Iran bases its legal system on the Constitution of 1979, which was amended in 1989.

Legislature:

  • 290-member Majlis-e-Shuray-e Islami (National Assembly)
  • The 12 member Guardian Council must approve all candidates for the Majlis; the supreme leader (rahbar) appoints six members and the judiciary appoints six members
  • The Guardian Council must approve Majlis legislation
  • The Expediency Council mediates between the Majlis and the Guardian Council

Electoral System:

There is universal adult suffrage for elections to the Majlis, to the Assembly of Experts (the body that chooses the rahbar), and for the presidency.

National elections:

Iran holds legislative elections in March and Presidential elections in June.

The Supreme Leader (rahbar):

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Head of State:

The head of state is the President. He is elected for a four-year term with a maximum of two terms.

Key Leadership Positions:

  • President
  • Head of Presidential Office

Key Ministries:

  • Agriculture
  • Commerce
  • Culture & Islamic guidance
  • Defense
  • Economy & Finance
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Industries & Mines
  • Information (intelligence)
  • Interior
  • Justice
  • Labor & Social Affairs
  • Oil
  • Speaker of the Majlis
  • Head of the Supreme National Security Council
  • Head of the Management & Planning Organization
  • Head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization
  • Central Bank Governor




This page last modified in August 2008