Who is more powerful in Iran — the president or the Supreme Leader?

The Supreme Leader. He controls the military, judiciary, and state media, and has veto power over all major state decisions.

Is the Iranian president elected?

Yes, by popular vote for a four-year term. But all candidates must be approved by the Guardian Council, which is controlled by the Supreme Leader.

How is the Supreme Leader chosen?

By the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of elected clerics. The Supreme Leader serves for life.

How many Supreme Leaders has Iran had?

Two. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (1979-1989) and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (1989-present).

Iran President vs Supreme Leader: Who Really Runs Iran?

Iran's political system has two executives — a president elected by the people and a Supreme Leader who holds ultimate authority. Understanding who actually runs Iran requires understanding how these roles interact.

ByNorth

The Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority. The president manages day-to-day governance within the Supreme Leader's framework.

The Supreme Leader of Iran (currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, since 1989) holds ultimate authority — controlling the military, judiciary, state media, and the Guardian Council that vets all election candidates. The president (currently Masoud Pezeshkian, since 2024) manages the executive branch, economic policy, and foreign negotiations, but operates within boundaries set by the Supreme Leader. When they conflict, the Supreme Leader prevails.

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President of Iran

Head of government of Iran. Directly elected for four-year terms. Implements the constitution and manages executive affairs, subordinate to the Supreme Leader.

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🇮🇷 IR· head of government

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