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Supreme Leader of Iran

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The post of Supreme Leader (Persian: رهبر انقلاب, Rahbare Enqelab, lit. Leader of the Revolution, or مقام رهبری, Maghame Rahbari, lit. Leadership Authority) was created in the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran as the highest ranking political and religious authority of the nation, in accordance with the concept of Guardianship of the Islamic Jurists. The title "Supreme" Leader (Persian: رهبر معظم, Rahbare Moazzam), is often used as a sign of respect, however this terminology does not exist in the constitution. In Western media, the sitting Supreme Leader is sometimes referred to by the religious title The Ayatollah of Iran.

Mandate and status

The Supreme Leader is elected by the Assembly of Experts, which is also in charge of overseeing the Supreme Leader, and has the power to dismiss and replace him at any time. As the name indicates, the Supreme Leader is considered as the ultimate head of the Iranian political and governmental establishment, above that of Iran's president. According to the constitution, he has the last say in internal and foreign policies, control of the army and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, control of state broadcast and others (see below).

The President of Iran, who is elected by direct public vote, is the Executive President (Head of government). In 1989, the Prime Minister's office was merged with the figurehead President's office to form the current post of President of Iran. However, certain executive powers such as commandment of the armed forces and declaration of war and peace, remains in the hands of the Supreme Leader.

Functions and duties of The Supreme Leader

  1. Delineation of the general policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran after consultation with the Nation's Expediency Discernment Council.
  2. Supervision over the proper execution of the general policies of the system.
  3. Issuing decrees for national referenda.
  4. Assuming supreme command of the armed forces.
  5. Declaration of war and peace, and the mobilization of the armed forces.
  6. Appointment, dismissal, and acceptance of resignation of:
    1. the fuqaha' on the Guardian Council.
    2. the supreme judicial authority of the country.
    3. the head of the radio and television network of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
    4. the chief of the joint staff.
    5. the chief commander of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution.
    6. the supreme commanders of the armed forces.
  7. Resolving differences between the three wings of the armed forces and regulation of their relations.
  8. Resolving the problems, which cannot be solved by conventional methods, through the Nation's Expediency Council.
  9. Signing the decree formalizing the elections in Iran for the President of the Republic by the people.
  10. Dismissal of the President of the Republic, with due regard for the interests of the country, after the Supreme Court holds him guilty of the violation of his constitutional duties, or after a vote of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) testifying to his incompetence on the basis of Article 89 of the Constitution.
  11. Pardoning or reducing the sentences of convicts, within the framework of Islamic criteria, on a recommendation (to that effect) from the head of the Judiciary. The Leader may delegate part of his duties and powers to another person.

Supreme Leaders of Iran (1979-Present)

Name Born-Died Took office Left office
Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini 1900 - 1989 3 December 1979 3 June 1989
Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 1939 - 4 June1989 Present

See also

References

  1. Article 108, Iranian Constitution
  2. Article 89-91, Iranian Constitution
  3. Article 5, Iranian Constitution
  5. Article 110, Iranian Constitution

Sources and references

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