What does Iran's governing system look like?

The government of Iran is a mixture of elected officials and a powerful religious authority.

The Supreme Leader is the most powerful position. The supreme leader was Ali Khamenei, who was killed on Saturday. This person has the highest authority in the country, is commander-in-chief of the military, controls key institutions like state media and the judiciary, and appoints important positions, including military leaders and half of the Guardian Council. This individual also has the final say on major policies.

The Supreme Leader is chosen by the Assembly of Experts.

Iran also has a president, who is the head of government and manages the executive branch. The president is Masoud Pezeshkian. The authority of the president is limited because the Supreme Leader can overrule major decisions.

There is also a Parliament that is elected. Laws passed by parliament must be approved by the Guardian Council, one of the most influential institutions in Iran that reviews laws to ensure they comply with Iran’s constitution and Islamic law.