The Most Powerful People in Iran (2026)
The Most Powerful People in Iran (2026)
In This Content
1. The Supreme Leader (the highest authority)
The most powerful person in Iran
Rules:
Military (IRGC included)
The Courts
Media in the state
Important political jobs
He even answers to the president. This function is responsible for all parts of the government.
2. The President is the Head of Government.
In charge of:
The economy
Day-to-day management
Limited foreign diplomacy
Important, but not as important as the Supreme Leader
3. The leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)\
For example:
Some people say that the IRGC is the most powerful group after the Supreme Leader.
Controls:
Military forces
Networks for intelligence
A lot of the economy
Some experts claim that the IRGC is the “real power center,” especially during crises.
4. The Speaker of Parliament (Majlis)
A big player in politics with:
Military experience (IRGC)
Strong ties to the elite
Recently called a key power broker who connects groups.
5. Chief Justice (Head of the Judiciary)
Controls:
The courts
Enforcement of the law
Political prosecutions
Is very important for keeping the regime in power.
6. Leaders of the Guardian Council
Important religious leaders like:
Power:
Gives the green light to election candidates
Can stop legislation
This group decides who can even run for office.
7. The Assembly of Experts (Elite Clerics)
People who have a lot of power are:
Alireza Arafi
Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri
Power:
Chooses (and can fire) the Supreme Leader
8. Important Power Brokers Behind the Scenes
Ali Akbar Velayati
People who have been around for a long time with:
Strategic power
Direct access to leaders
Some people don’t have elected positions, yet have a lot of power in policy
How Power Really Works in Iran
Iran is not a normal democracy. This is how power moves:
The Supreme Leader is in charge of the IRGC and the Clerical Elite, who are in charge of the government (the President and Parliament).
There are elections, but they are very closely controlled.
Military and religious leaders frequently have more power than political officials.
⚠️ Important Information (2026)
Iran’s government is changing because of recent assassinations and turmoil.
Power is growing more and more:
Broken up
Shared by religious leaders and military leaders
Facts
If you had to name the real power core, it would be:
Leader of the Supreme
Commanders of the IRGC
High-ranking clerics (Assembly of Experts and Guardian Council)
Politicians (President, Speaker of Parliament)