1. Home
  2. Global Insights
  3. By Country
  4. Iran
  5. Government

Iran: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
Supreme Leader Ali Hoseini-Khamenei
Head of Government:
President Masoud Pezeshkian

Overview

Government Name:
Islamic Republic of Iran
Constitution:
Adopted: 1979; Constitution has been called a "hybrid" of "theocratic and democratic elements." While articles one and two vest sovereignty in God, article six "mandates popular elections for the presidency and the Majlis, or parliament."
Government Type:
Islamist Republic
Islamic Republic of Iran Flag
Coat of Arms of Islamic Republic of Iran

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

E
The highest-risk political and economic situation and the most difficult business environment. Corporate default is likely. Source: Coface (2022)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

The supreme leader is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and appoints several positions including judiciary, media networks, and commanders of military forces. The president is the highest state authority figure and is responsible for implementation of constitution, exercising executive powers, selecting government policy for legislature, and appointing the council of ministers.

The supreme leader is appointed by an assembly of experts. The president is elected by absolute majority vote through a two-round system.

Supreme leader: Life appointment; President: 4 years
Judicial

The supreme court is the highest court of the land and has jurisdiction over all constitutional cases.

The supreme court president is appointed by the head of the supreme judicial council in consultation with the judges of the supreme court. Information regarding other judge appointments and tenures is not available.

President of Supreme Court: 5 years; other judges: information not available
Legislative

The Islamic consultative assembly drafts legislation and ratifies treaties.

The Islamic consultative assembly has 290 members who are elected by qualified plurality vote.

4 years

Regional Trade Blocs

No Regional Trade Blocs

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Information not available
Tax Name:
Information not available

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/