Australia and the World Past and Present

Let’s consider how the Iranian regime is set up and operates.

Where is power located?

Iran has a parliament (the Majlis). Its members are elected, but candidates are vetted. So it is not as though anyone can run for office.

The power of parliament is limited.

Parliament can pass laws, but these can be overridden by the religious authorities.

All bills are reviewed by the Guardian Council to ensure they conform to Islamic law and the constitution, limiting the Majlis’ independent authority.

The President too is elected, but he is also vetted. He must be acceptable to the Guardian Council.

In Iran, the President does not have the final say on defence or foreign affairs. Power ultimately falls to the Supreme Leader.

Iran’s judiciary is headed by a chief justice and he is appointed by the Supreme Leader. The judiciary oversees courts, prosecutors, and enforcement agencies. It operates alongside religious courts, and has the authority to prosecute dissent and enforce state directives.

The Guardian Council is a 12-member body that vets legislation and candidates for elected office. Six clerics are appointed by the Supreme Leader, and six jurists by the judiciary. It acts as a gatekeeper of Iran’s political system, balancing public representation against religious oversight.

The Supreme Leader is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. All senior commanders report to him.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a parallel military and security force separate from Iran’s regular army. It enforces regime stability and suppresses internal dissent.

Overall, the power of parliament is limited.

Much more powerful are the Revolutionary Guard, the Guardian Council and above all, the Supreme Leader.