Why in the News
The Assembly of Experts has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of former leader Ali Khamenei in a U.S.–Israeli strike.
Key Highlights
- Age: 57
- Position: Third Supreme Leader of Iran.
- Predecessors:
- Ruhollah Khomeini (1979–1989)
- Ali Khamenei (1989–2026)
Role of the Supreme Leader in Iran
- The Supreme Leader is the highest authority in Iran’s political system.
- Key powers include:
- Head of state
- Commander-in-chief of armed forces
- Control over the judiciary, military, and security agencies
- Influence over foreign and defence policy
- Ability to appoint key officials and veto decisions
- Although Iran elects a President, the Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority.
| [2016] Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’? (a) Iran (b) Saudi Arabia (c) Oman (d) Kuwait |
