Understanding the Role of Iran's President

In the intricate political landscape of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the office of the President (known in Persian as رئیس‌جمهور ایران, romanized as Rayis Jomhur-e Irān) holds a significant, yet ultimately circumscribed, position. Functioning as the nation's head of government, the President is officially recognized as the second highest-ranking official, subordinate only to the all-encompassing authority of the Supreme Leader. This fundamental structural difference sets Iran's executive branch apart from many other countries, where the head of government often wields ultimate executive power.

The path to the presidency in Iran is a multi-layered process, reflecting the unique blend of popular vote and clerical oversight. Prospective candidates, often referred to as volunteers, must first undergo a rigorous vetting procedure by the Guardian Council. This influential body, whose members are directly appointed by the Supreme Leader, holds the power to approve or reject any individual's eligibility, effectively shaping the electoral landscape before a single ballot is cast. Once approved and subsequently elected by direct popular vote, the President serves a four-year term. A crucial constitutional limitation prevents any individual from serving more than two consecutive terms, aiming to ensure a degree of leadership rotation.

Presidential Authority and the Supreme Leader's Oversight

Despite being elected by the populace, the President's authority is deeply intertwined with, and ultimately subordinate to, the Supreme Leader. Before the elected President can officially assume office and be sworn into Parliament, they are required to secure the Supreme Leader's official approval. This is not merely a ceremonial gesture; the Supreme Leader possesses the formidable power to dismiss an elected President. Such a dismissal can occur if the President has either been impeached by Parliament or found guilty of a constitutional violation by the Supreme Court, underscoring the Supreme Leader's ultimate control over the executive branch.

The President's primary duty involves carrying out the decrees and wishes of the Supreme Leader, who concurrently serves as the country's head of state. This hierarchical structure means that the President, unlike executive leaders in many other nations, does not possess full autonomy over the government; rather, the entire governmental apparatus remains under the direct and comprehensive control of the Supreme Leader. Chapter IX of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran meticulously outlines the qualifications required for presidential candidates, while the Supreme Leader personally defines the procedures for presidential and all other elections within Iran.

The President's responsibilities encompass vital state functions, including the signing of treaties with foreign countries and international organizations, administering national planning, managing the state budget, and overseeing state employment affairs. However, even in these areas, the Supreme Leader's influence is pervasive. For instance, while the President appoints ministers, these selections are contingent upon the approval of both the Parliament and, crucially, the Supreme Leader. Furthermore, the Supreme Leader retains the unilateral power to dismiss or reinstate any minister or vice president at any time, irrespective of the President's or Parliament's decisions. In a further demonstration of this centralized power, the Supreme Leader directly selects key ministerial positions, such as those for Defense, Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, Interior, and even certain others like the Science Ministry. Notably, Iran's regional policy is directly orchestrated by the office of the Supreme Leader, reducing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' role largely to protocol and ceremonial duties. A stark example of this is the selection of all Iranian ambassadors to Arab countries, which is handled by the Quds Corps, a powerful entity that reports directly to the Supreme Leader.

The current long-serving Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who has guided Iran for over three decades, exemplifies this extensive authority. His decrees and final decisions have shaped virtually every aspect of the nation, from its economy and education to environmental policies, foreign relations, and national planning. Khamenei has also made ultimate determinations regarding election transparency and has frequently exercised his prerogative to fire and reinstate presidential cabinet appointments, illustrating the deeply embedded nature of his power.

The current President of Iran is Ebrahim Raisi, who took office on August 3, 2021, following the 2021 presidential election. He succeeded Hassan Rouhani, who served two full terms from 2013 to 2021.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: A Period of Hardline Leadership

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, born Mahmoud Sabbaghian on October 28, 1956, rose from humble beginnings as an engineer and teacher to become a prominent Iranian conservative politician. He served as the sixth President of Iran from 2005 to 2013, a tenure marked by his distinctive hardline views and his staunch advocacy for Iran's nuclear program. Ideologically, Ahmadinejad was deeply influenced by figures such as Navvab Safavi, Jalal Al-e-Ahmad, and Ahmad Fardid. Following the Iranian Revolution, he joined the Office for Strengthening Unity, signaling his early commitment to the revolutionary ideals.

Early Career and Rise to Power

Ahmadinejad's political career began to take shape with his appointment as a provincial governor in 1993. However, his tenure, along with that of all other provincial governors, was brought to an end in 1997 following the election of the reformist President Mohammad Khatami, prompting Ahmadinejad to return to teaching. His return to the political forefront occurred in 2003 when the Tehran city council elected him as mayor. During his time as mayor, he adopted a noticeably religious hardline stance, consciously reversing many of the more moderate reforms introduced by his predecessors.

His ascendancy to the presidency began with his 2005 campaign, which received strong backing from the Alliance of Builders of Islamic Iran, a coalition of conservative political groups. He secured a decisive victory in the runoff election, garnering 62% of the votes, and officially assumed the presidential office on August 3, 2005.

Controversial Presidency (2005-2013)

Ahmadinejad's presidency was characterized by significant controversy, both within Iran and on the international stage. Domestically, his economic policies faced considerable criticism, and human rights organizations in North America and Europe accused his administration of disregard for fundamental human rights. Internationally, he became a highly divisive figure due drawing ire for his outspoken hostility towards countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, alongside various other Western and Arab states. Key policy initiatives during his first term included the introduction of a gasoline rationing plan in 2007, aimed at curbing the nation's fuel consumption, and a directive to cut interest rates charged by private and public banking facilities. He was also a fervent supporter of Iran's nuclear program, a stance that consistently drew international condemnation and sanctions.

His re-election to a second term in 2009 was met with widespread disputes and allegations of fraud, triggering extensive protests across Iran, famously known as the Green Movement. This period also drew sharp criticism from Western nations, further isolating Iran on the global stage.

Second Term Challenges and Post-Presidency

Ahmadinejad's second term was marked by increasingly visible power struggles. He found himself at odds not only with reformers and traditionalists within Parliament and the Revolutionary Guard but also, significantly, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. These clashes notably intensified following his controversial dismissal of intelligence minister Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i and his unwavering support for his close, often contentious, adviser, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei. In an unprecedented move, on March 14, 2012, Ahmadinejad became the first president of the Islamic Republic to be formally summoned by the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) to answer questions regarding his presidency, a stark illustration of the internal pressures he faced.

Constitutionally limited to two terms, Ahmadinejad was ineligible to run for president again in 2013. He subsequently endorsed Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei's presidential campaign, though Mashaei's candidacy was ultimately rejected by the Guardian Council. On June 15, 2013, Hassan Rouhani was elected as Ahmadinejad's successor, officially taking office on August 3, 2013.

Even after leaving office, Ahmadinejad made further attempts to re-enter the presidential race. In 2017, despite direct objections from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, he announced his intention to run for a third term, only to have his nomination rejected by the Guardian Council. During the widespread Iranian protests of 2017-18, he voiced criticism against the then-current government. He made a second attempt to register for the 2021 presidential election, but once again, his candidacy was rejected by the Guardian Council, effectively precluding his return to the presidential office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Iranian Presidency

What is the primary role of the President of Iran?

The President of Iran serves as the head of government of the Islamic Republic. They are responsible for implementing the Supreme Leader's decrees, managing national planning, budget, and state employment, and signing treaties with foreign entities, among other executive duties. However, their powers are ultimately subordinate to the Supreme Leader.

How is the President of Iran elected?

The President is elected for a four-year term through direct popular vote. However, candidates must first be approved by the Guardian Council, whose members are chosen by the Supreme Leader, before they can run for office.

What is the relationship between the President and the Supreme Leader?

The Supreme Leader is the head of state and the ultimate authority in Iran, holding power above the President. The President is second in rank and must gain the Supreme Leader's official approval before being sworn in. The President carries out the Supreme Leader's decrees and is accountable to them. The Supreme Leader also has the power to dismiss the President and holds significant sway over ministerial appointments and policy direction.

Can the President of Iran be dismissed? If so, by whom?

Yes, the President of Iran can be dismissed by the Supreme Leader. This can occur if the President is either impeached by Parliament or found guilty of a constitutional violation by the Supreme Court.

Who can become a presidential candidate in Iran?

Prospective presidential candidates must meet the qualifications outlined in Chapter IX of the Iranian Constitution and, crucially, must receive official approval from the Guardian Council before they are permitted to campaign or appear on the ballot.

What are the term limits for the Iranian presidency?

The President of Iran is elected for a four-year term and is constitutionally prohibited from serving more than two consecutive terms.

What powers does the Supreme Leader hold over the President's appointments?

While the President appoints ministers, these appointments require the approval of both Parliament and the Supreme Leader. The Supreme Leader holds the power to dismiss or reinstate any minister or vice president at any time. Furthermore, the Supreme Leader directly chooses ministers for key portfolios such as Defense, Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, and Interior.

Who was Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and what were some notable aspects of his presidency?

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad served as Iran's sixth President from 2005 to 2013. He was known for his hardline conservative views, his staunch support for Iran's nuclear program, and his critical stance towards Western and Arab nations. His presidency was marked by controversial economic policies, allegations of human rights abuses, and a widely disputed re-election in 2009 that led to widespread domestic protests.

Why were Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's attempts to run for president again rejected?

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attempted to run for a third term in both the 2017 and 2021 presidential elections. On both occasions, his nomination was rejected by the Guardian Council, effectively preventing him from campaigning, despite his personal desire to run and, in 2017, against the objections of the Supreme Leader.