Iran
Theocratic Islamic republic and a major regional power in the Middle East, governed by the principle of velayat-e faqih (guardianship of the Islamic jurist). Iran's political system has two overlapping power structures: elected bodies (the presidency, parliament) and unelected religious institutions (the Supreme Leader, Guardian Council, Assembly of Experts). Since the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in February 2026, Iran has entered a period of contested succession under Mojtaba Khamenei, while reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian continues to seek Western re-engagement.