Overview of Iran's Political System and Key Issues

Iranian Revolution of 1979

The overthrow of pro-Western Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, leading to an Islamic fundamentalist government under Ayatollah Khomeini.

Type of Government in Iran

A unitary system blending theocracy and democracy, with institutions such as the Supreme Leader, Guardian Council, and Majles.

Executive Branch - Supreme Leader

The Assembly of Religious Experts; he sets the political agenda, commands the military, and appoints key officials.

Executive Branch - President

Directly elected every four years, the president oversees civil service, foreign policy, and can be removed by the legislature or Supreme Leader.

Legislative Branch - Majles

Iran's unicameral legislature that approves laws, oversees the budget, and confirms cabinet nominees under Guardian Council supervision.

Legislative Branch - Guardian Council

A 12-member body that vets candidates and ensures laws comply with Sharia law, with six members appointed by the Supreme Leader.

Legislative Branch - Expediency Council

Created to resolve disputes between the Guardian Council and Majles, it includes powerful political figures.

Judicial Branch - Assembly of Religious Experts

A body of Islamic jurists that selects and supervises the Supreme Leader, with members approved by the Guardian Council.

Judicial Branch - Courts

Based on Sharia law, courts prosecute opposition figures, and the Chief Judge is appointed by the Supreme Leader.

Political Parties in Iran

Instead of political parties, politics are divided between Reformers (favoring democratization) and Conservatives (upholding Sharia law).

Media in Iran

The state owns radio/TV broadcasting, and strict censorship laws regulate newspapers and social media access.

Civil Society & Protests

Protests are officially banned but still occur, with the government using surveillance and force to suppress them.

Religious Cleavages

The majority (90%) are Shia Muslims, with a Sunni minority (10%) and small Christian, Jewish, and Zoroastrian communities.

Ethnic Cleavages

Persians (majority), Azerbaijanis, Kurds, and speakers of Turkish, Arabic, and Iranian languages.

Demographics of Iran

Population ~82.8 million, 90% literacy rate, mostly urbanized, declining birth rates.

Economy of Iran

Oil-dependent, government-controlled industries, high unemployment and inflation, mixed economy.

Domestic Policy

Para-governmental organizations supporting the regime, controlling ~20% of GDP, and providing social welfare.

Foreign Policy - JCPOA

A 2015 agreement limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, later abandoned by the U.S. in 2018.

Iran and Supranational Organizations

OPEC, UN, and IMF; it is not a member of the WTO or World Bank.

Current Issues - Green Movement

A protest movement following the disputed 2009 presidential election, suppressed by the government.

Current Issues - Gender Inequality

Restrictions on women's rights, mandatory hijab laws, and bans on attending sporting events.