Unlike how a nation elects a president, Iran does not directly elect an “Ayatollah.” Religious leaders oversee the indirect process.

This is how it actually functions:

The Supreme Leader, who is currently (as of recent history) Ali Khamenei, is the highest-ranking leader.

He is typically an Ayatollah or other eminent Shia cleric.

However, the term “Ayatollah” is religious in nature and is not chosen by the general people.

The Supreme Leader is truly chosen by this group.

Approximately 88 Islamic academics and clergy

Every eight years, the public elects them.

However, only those who have received approval from another authority are eligible to run (more on that below).

The Guardian Council must screen applicants.

Candidates are approved or rejected by this council.

The Supreme Leader himself appoints some of them.

Thus, it indirectly determines who is eligible to vote.

When a post becomes open due to a death, resignation, etc.

The Experts’ Assembly convenes.

They assess candidates who are senior clerics with both political and religious credentials.

They cast internal votes.

The next leader is chosen by a majority vote.

The selected individual needs to:

Become a prominent Islamic jurist, usually an Ayatollah.

Be regarded as informed, politically astute, and devout.

Possess influence and leadership skills.

The Supreme Leader is not directly elected by the people.

The system is carefully regulated and indirect.

The existing leadership has an impact on the same system that chooses the Assembly.

An easy method to comprehend it

Consider it this way:

The Supreme Leader is chosen by clerics, who are elected by the people.