TEHRAN – The Assembly of Experts is a central constitutional body within the Islamic Republic of Iran, entrusted with one of the most important responsibilities in the country’s governance. 

It evaluates the Leader to ensure he continues to meet the qualifications required by the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. If the Leader is unable to fulfill his constitutional duties or no longer possesses the necessary qualifications, the Assembly has the authority to remove him and, when needed, elect a new Leader. This role reflects the Assembly’s commitment to preserving the integrity and continuity of the nation’s highest office, which has long served as a guiding force for Iran’s religious and political life.

The Assembly of Experts was formally established in the early years following the Islamic Revolution of 1979, as the Constitution of the Islamic Republic took effect. The Constitution clearly defines the Assembly’s duties, giving it authority not only to select the Leader but also to review his qualifications and continued ability to lead according to constitutional requirements. Its establishment was part of a broader effort to implement the principle of “Velayat-e Faqih” within a legal framework that combines public participation with religious legitimacy.

Historically, the Assembly played a pivotal role in the leadership of the Islamic Republic. Following the death of Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, in 1989, the Assembly of Experts exercised its constitutional authority to select Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei as the new Leader. 

The Assembly consists of 88 members, all of whom are Islamic scholars and jurists with advanced knowledge in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and religious sciences. These qualifications are essential because members must be capable of evaluating whether a candidate for Leader possesses the qualities necessary to guide the nation with justice, wisdom, and adherence to Islamic principles. Under Iranian law, all candidates for the Assembly must first be approved for their religious and scholarly credentials, a process conducted by the Guardian Council in accordance with electoral regulations.

A distinctive feature of the Assembly of Experts is that its members are directly elected by the people of Iran. Citizens across all provinces participate in nationwide elections to choose representatives for the Assembly, exercising their constitutional right to contribute to safeguarding the nation’s highest leadership. These elections are held every eight years, providing both continuity and broad public legitimacy. Candidates must meet strict criteria for religious scholarship and moral standing, and the Guardian Council reviews their qualifications to ensure that only those with sufficient expertise in Islamic law and doctrine appear on the ballot.

The most recent elections for the Assembly of Experts were held on 1 March 2024, alongside elections for the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis). Citizens from across the country voted for candidates who had been approved for their qualifications, demonstrating public participation in the process of supporting the highest levels of leadership in accordance with the Constitution. The elected members now serve an eight-year term, which will continue until the next scheduled elections in 2032.

Once elected, members of the Assembly convene to perform their constitutional duties. The Assembly meets in Tehran, usually twice a year in formal sessions, though additional meetings may be held as necessary. Agendas typically include reviewing reports and evaluating matters concerning the Leader’s qualifications, as outlined in the Constitution.

The Constitution assigns the Assembly three key responsibilities. First, it is charged with selecting the Leader when the position becomes vacant. The Assembly carefully reviews the qualifications of eligible religious jurists and elects the individual it considers best suited to guide the nation according to constitutional and Islamic principles. Second, it reviews the continued qualifications of the Leader, ensuring that he maintains the characteristics of justice, political wisdom, and religious expertise required by law. Third, the Assembly has the authority to remove the Leader only if it becomes evident that he no longer meets the constitutional requirements or is unable to carry out his duties. These responsibilities are grounded in Articles 107 and 111 of the Constitution and are central to preserving the stability, integrity, and continuity of Iran’s leadership.

The Assembly of Experts remains a distinctive and respected institution within the political system of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Its composition of scholars elected by the people reflects a careful balance of democratic participation and religious authority. By safeguarding the continuity and legitimacy of national leadership, the Assembly continues to play a central role in maintaining stability and constitutional order, while supporting a Leader—following the guidance first exemplified by Imam Khomeini and now continued by late Ayatollah Khamenei—who was martyred in a U.S.-Israeli strike on February 28.