Political system in Iran and decision making on the nuclear program - by dr Miad Nakhavali

Source: ft.com

Political system in Iran and decision making on the nuclear program

Miad Nakhavali - CEO Middle East Analitika

To understand Iran's political system after the 1979 revolution, it is essential to analyse domestic sources that reflect Ayatollah Khomeini's ideology and his vision for the country's governance. Available sources indicate that until approximately two years before the Islamic Revolution, Khomeini viewed governance not as an ultimate goal but rather as a means to implement divine laws and establish a just society based on peace and public service. Within this framework, Islamism appeared to take precedence over republicanism in his rhetoric. However, various factors—such as his exile in Paris and engagement with opposition groups resisting the Shah’s regime—seem to have influenced his outlook, prompting him (at least on a formal level) to incorporate elements of republicanism and electoral processes into Iran’s political structure (Saleh Abadi, 2011, p. 10).  

Indeed, Khomeini formulated the foundational doctrine of Guardianship of the Jurist in the years leading up to the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. He argued that a legitimate government could only exist if religious scholars held the highest authority, ensuring that governance aligned with Islamic law. This concept was institutionalized through a constitutional referendum following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The framework of a modern republic—including a unicameral legislature (Majlis), a presidential executive, and a judiciary—was integrated within a clerical structure (Council on Foreign Relations, n.d.). 

The Supreme Leader holds the highest authority in Iran's political system, overseeing the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as the military and media. The foundation of Iran's Islamic governance is outlined in the preamble and Articles 5 and 57 of its Constitution, which establish the absolute guardianship of the jurist (Velayat-e Faqih) as the core principle. This ensures that all laws and policies align with Islamic standards, making Sharia compliance a prerequisite for the legitimacy of the constitution and government decisions (Wikifeqh, n.d.).  

Khamenei's paramount concerns are to preserve his own power and ensure the survival of the Islamic theocracy, which he believes is based on principles of justice, independence, self-sufficiency, and piety. In theory, Iran's constitution was designed to blend theocracy with republicanism. However, in practice, unelected bodies like the Supreme Leader and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) wield significantly more power than elected institutions such as the presidency and parliament. Likewise, Khamenei's influence extends to major domestic and foreign policy decisions, all of which require his consent. (Sadjadpour, 2015, para. 3). 

While the Assembly of Experts (an 86-member elected by Iranian public) technically has the power to appoint and dismiss the Supreme Leader, its independence is limited, as candidates are vetted by the Guardian Council, a 12-member body in which half the members are directly appointed by the Supreme Leader. Iran’s 290-member parliament (Islamic Consultative Assembly) has limited power compared to unelected institutions like the Guardian Council and the Supreme Leader’s office. The parliament’s functions include overseeing the government budget, confirming cabinet ministers, and questioning officials, but legislation it passes can be vetoed by the Guardian Council, which ensures laws align with Islamic principles. (Al Jazeera, 2012). 

Although the president is officially the second highest ranking official, his power is restricted. Presidential candidates must be approved by the Guardian Council, and even after election, the Supreme Leader formally appoints the president. The president’s official powers are largely confined to domestic issues, with the supreme leader maintaining control over key foreign policy decisions. In addition, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) veterans occupy numerous defence, security, and foreign policy positions, pushing policy in an anti-U.S. and anti-Israel direction. (Byman & Trauger, 2024, para. 2).  In Iran’s nuclear decision-making process, although key institutions such as the Supreme National Security Council (chaired by the President), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) play influential roles, the Supreme Leader holds the ultimate and decisive authority over all major nuclear policies.