Political outline

Executive Power

The chief of state is the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution appointed for life time by the Assembly of Experts. The Supreme Leader is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, controls the military intelligence and security operations, and has sole power to declare war. The head of the government is the President who is elected by popular vote for a four year term. The Council of Ministers (cabinet) is selected by the President with legislative approval. The President enjoys executive powers, except for matters directly related to the Supreme Leader.

Legislative Power

The legislature is unicameral. The parliament consists of Islamic Consultative Assembly having 290 seats with its members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms. The Parliament must get the laws validated by the Guardian Council which checks if the laws suggested do not go against Islamic principles. The Parliament has real powers in Iran. It can in particular decide dismissal of a minister. The President cannot dissolve the parliament directly but can recommend the same to Supreme Leader.

Main political parties

Political pressure groups conduct most of Iran's political activities. It is quite difficult to get a clear view on Iranian political parties; however the major Political Parties are as follows:
- Islamic Society of Engineers - supports acquiring scientific & technical knowledge by Iran, opposes Western culture & values, supports Islamic values;
- Executives of Construction Party - supporters of ex-President Rafsanjani and his policies;
- Islamic Iran Participation Front - a reformist political party, supports democracy;
- Militant Clergy Association - moderate conservative clerical party.

Current political leaders

Supreme Leader: Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since June 1989) - non-partisan
President: Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD (since August 2005- re-elected in June 2009) - Islamic Society of Engineers

Next election dates

Presidential election: June 2013
Islamic Consultative Assembly: 2012