Supreme Leader

Definition

The Supreme Leader is the highest-ranking political and religious authority in the Islamic Republic of Iran, holding ultimate control over all branches of government and the military. This position was established after the Iranian Revolution in 1979, embodying a fusion of political power and religious authority that shapes Iran's governance and its role in regional and global politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The position of Supreme Leader was first held by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which overthrew the monarchy.
2. The Supreme Leader has significant authority over foreign policy, military decisions, and control of state media, influencing both domestic and international affairs.
3. The Supreme Leader appoints key positions within the government, including members of the Guardian Council, who play a critical role in the electoral process.
4. Unlike elected officials, the Supreme Leader is not chosen through public elections; instead, this position is filled by religious authority and consensus among elite clerics.
5. Current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has held the position since Khomeini's death in 1989, continuing to shape Iran's political landscape for decades.

Review Questions

• How does the role of the Supreme Leader influence the governance structure of Iran?
  • The Supreme Leader wields extensive power that surpasses that of elected officials in Iran, affecting all branches of government. This authority includes control over military forces, foreign policy decisions, and oversight of key governmental appointments. By intertwining political leadership with religious authority, the Supreme Leader ensures that Iran’s governance aligns with Islamic principles while maintaining significant influence over national affairs.
• Evaluate how the Supreme Leader's authority impacts Iran's relations with other countries in the region.
  • The Supreme Leader’s authority significantly shapes Iran’s foreign policy and its approach to regional issues. With control over military decisions and international diplomacy, the Supreme Leader can dictate Iran’s stance on conflicts involving neighboring countries or other regional powers. This centralization of power allows Iran to project a unified front but can also lead to tensions with nations that oppose its ideological stance, affecting stability in the Middle East.
• Discuss the implications of having a non-elected leader like the Supreme Leader on democratic practices in Iran.
  • Having a non-elected Supreme Leader poses significant challenges to democratic practices in Iran. This structure creates a power dynamic where decisions made at the highest level are insulated from public accountability or electoral influence. Consequently, while there are elections for other governmental positions, they operate within a framework heavily controlled by the Supreme Leader and his appointed bodies, raising questions about true democratic representation and participation among the Iranian populace.

Related terms

Ayatollah: A high-ranking title given to Shia Muslim clerics, often serving as spiritual leaders and scholars in Islamic jurisprudence.

Guardian Council:

A powerful body in Iran that oversees elections and ensures laws comply with Islamic law, consisting of six clerics appointed by the Supreme Leader.

Islamic Republic:

The political system established in Iran after the 1979 revolution, characterized by a combination of Islamic governance and republican elements.