How Iran chooses new supreme leader under its constitutional process

Iran’s constitution does not talk about killing the supreme leader. Instead, it explains what happens if the leader dies, resigns, is dismissed, or becomes unable to perform duties.

Choosing the Supreme Leader

According to Article 107 of Iran’s Constitution, the supreme leader is chosen by the Assembly of Experts, which can also remove him if needed. A candidate must get a two-thirds majority vote from the assembly members.

The Assembly of Experts has 88 clerics elected from Iran’s provinces. The number of seats depends on population. Tehran has 16 seats, Razavi Khorasan and Khuzestan have 6 each, and Isfahan, East Azerbaijan, and Fars have 5 each.

Before someone can run for the Assembly of Experts, their qualifications must be approved by Iran’s Guardian Council. Half of the members of the Guardian Council and its head are appointed by the supreme leader.

Powers of the Supreme Leader

The supreme leader has wide-ranging powers under Article 110, including:

• Setting and supervising Iran’s domestic and foreign policies

• Serving as commander-in-chief of the armed forces

• Declaring war, ceasefire, and approving referendums

• Overseeing the legislative, executive, and judicial branches

• Resolving disputes among state institutions

• Approving or dismissing the president

• Appointing the head of the judiciary and senior military commanders

• Appointing half of the Guardian Council members

• Appointing heads of state media and the Expediency Discernment Council

• Overseeing key religious, economic, and cultural institutions

• Controlling major economic holdings

• Granting general amnesties to convicts

Qualifications for Leadership

Article 109 says a supreme leader must:

• Have strong religious knowledge in Islamic law

• Be just, pious, and faithful to lead the Islamic community

• Show political, social, and administrative ability

What Happens If the Leader Can’t Serve

Article 111 explains that if the supreme leader cannot perform his duties or no longer meets the requirements, he is removed. The Assembly of Experts must then choose a new leader quickly.

Until a new leader is selected, a temporary council takes over. This council includes the president, the head of the judiciary, and one Islamic jurist from the Guardian Council chosen by the Assembly of Experts.