Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran
In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful.
We have sent Our apostles with veritable signs and brought down with them scriptures
and the scales of justice, so that men might conduct themselves with fairness”
PREAMBLE
The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran sets forth the cultural, social, political
and economic institutions of the people of Iran, based on Islamic principles and rules, and
reflecting the fundamental desires of the Islamic people. The essence of the great Islamic
Revolution of Iran, and the course of the struggle of the Muslim people from its
beginning to its victory, as manifested by the categorical and striking slogans used by all
classes of the people, get their special character from this fundamental desire. Now our
nation, with the whole of its being is in the vanguard of this great victory, and strives for
the attainment of that desire.
The unique characteristic of this Revolution, as compared with other Iranian movements
of the last century, is that it is religious and Islamic. The Muslim people of Iran, after
living through an anti-despotic movement for constitutional government, and anticolonialist
movement for the nationalization of petroleum, gained precious experience in
that they realized that the basic and specific reason for the failure of those movements
was that that they were not religious ones. Although in those movements Islamic thinking
and the guidance of a militant clergy played a basic and prominent part, yet they swiftly
trailed off into stagnation, because the struggle deviated from the true Islam. But now the
nation’s conscience has awakened to the leadership of an exalted Authority, His
Eminence Ayatollah Imam Khomeini, and has grasped the necessity of following the line
of the true religious and Islamic movement. This time the country’s militant clergy, which
has always been in the front lines of the people’s movement, together with writers and
committed intellectuals, has gained new strength (lit: impetus) under his leadership (The
most recent movement of the Iranian nation began in the HEGIRA lunar year 1382,
equivalent to the HEGIRA solar year 1341) -
THE VANGUARD OF THE MOVEMENT
Imam Khomeini’s crushing protest against that American plot, The White Revolution,
which was a step taken with a view to strengthening the foundations of the despotic
regime and consolidating Iran’s political, cultural and economic links with World
Imperialism, was the motive force behind the united uprising of the nation. There
followed the great and bloody revolution of the Islamic people in the month of
KHORDAD 1342 (Translator’s note: equivalent to June 1963) -This was indeed the
starting-point of the flowering of that magnificent and widespread revolt which
consolidated and confirmed the Imam’s central position as the Islamic leader. Despite his
banishment from Iran following on his protest against the shameful Law of Capitulation
(immunity for American advisers), the firm bond (of the people) with the Imam was
strengthened. The Muslim nation, in particular committed intellectuals and the militant
clergy, continued along its path, amid banishment and imprisonment, torture and
execution.
Meanwhile the informed and responsible section of the community was busy with
clarification of the issues, within the strongholds of mosques, places of learning, and
universities. Inspired by the revolutionary religious feeling and the rich fruitfulness of
Islam, they began a persistent and rewarding struggle to raise the level of awareness and
vigilance as regards the fight, and its religious nature, among the Muslim nation. The
despotic regime began the suppression of the Islamic movement with a malignant attack
on the FEIZIYE and the University and all the clamorous Clubs (that were part) of the
Revolution. It took bloodthirsty but futile steps to quell the revolutionary fury of the
people. While this was going on firing squads, medieval torture, and long imprisonment
were the price our Muslim nation paid to demonstrate its firm resolution to continue the
struggle. The blood of hundreds of young men and women flowed for the Faith in the
shooting yards at dawn as they raised the cry of “God is Great”. Or they were the target
for hostile bullets in lanes and bazaars in forwarding the Islamic revolution of Iran,
distributing the ever-continuing proclamations and messages of the Imam on a variety of
occasions, and the awareness and determination of the Islamic nation ever more widely
and deeply.
ISLAMIC GOVERNMENT
Islamic Government is founded on a basis of “religious guardianship” (VELAYAT
FAQIYE) as put forward by Imam Khomeini at the height of the intense emotion and
strangulation under the despotic regime. This created a specific motivation and new field
of advance for the Muslim people; and opened up the true path for the religious fight of
Islam, pressing forward the struggle of the committed Muslim combatants, inside and
outside the country.
The movement continued along this basic line until eventually the dissatisfaction and fury
of the people, arising out of the daily increasing pressure and strangulation inside the
country, and the extension and repetition of the struggle by the clergy, and by militant
students at world level, severely shook the rule of the regime. The regime and its masters
were forced to reduce its pressure and strangulation, and - so to speak - to open up the
political arena of the country which it thought would be the safety valve to secure it
against its certain collapse. But the nation was aroused, aware (of the situation) , and
firmly devoted to the decisive and unshakable leadership of the Imam. It began its
victorious and united uprising in ever more wide-spread and comprehensive fashion.
THE PEOPLES’ ANGER
The publication by the regime on the 17th of the month of DEY, 1356 (equals 7 January
1978) (Translator’s note: not 1977 as in original translation) of the letter which insulted
the sacred order of the clergy, and in particular the Imam Khomeini, hastened this
movement. It caused the people’s anger to explode all over the country. In an effort to
control this volcano of popular anger, the regime tried to suppress the protest uprising by
bloodshed. This very fact set more blood pulsing through the veins of the Revolution.
Continuing revolutionary passion at the time of the seven-day and forty-day
commemoration of the martyrs of the Revolution, added on an ever-increasing scale to
the vitality and ardor and fervent unity of the movement throughout the country. It
continued and extended the people’s upheaval in all the country’s organizations by a
general strike and joining in street demonstrations while actively seeking the downfall of
the despotic regime. Widespread co-operation of men and women of all classes, and of
religious and political groups, in this struggle, took place in decisive and dramatic fashion
In particular women joined openly on all the scenes of this great Holy War, ever more
actively and extensively. Such a scene would be a mother with a child in her bosom
hastening to the battlefield and facing machine gun fire This large section of society took
a main and decisive part in the struggle.
THE PRICE THE NATION PAID
After a little over a year the budding Revolution and its continuing struggle settled to its
result. It’s cost (lit: fruit) was the blood of more than 60,000 martyrs, 100,000 wounded
and with damaged health, and billions of Toomans of financial loss; all amid cries of
“Independence”, “Freedom”, and “Islamic Rule”. This mighty movement with its reliance
upon faith, unity, and decisiveness in leadership, came to a victorious conclusion in an
atmosphere of emotion and tension and of the nation’s devotion. It was successful in
crushing all the calculations and maneuverings of Imperialism. A new chapter opened up
in its own way for popular revolutions in the world.
The 21st and 22nd of the month of BAHMAN 1357 were the days on which the Shah’s
establishment collapsed Domestic despotism and the foreign domination which depended
on it were defeated. This great victory brought the glad tidings of final triumph and was
the prelude to Islamic Government that was the long-felt desire of the Muslim people.
Unanimously, the nation of Iran, in partnership with the religious authorities, and the
ULEMA of Islam, and the repository of Leadership, in a referendum concerning the
Islamic Republic, took a final and categorical decision to set up an exalted new
republican and Islamic order, and affirmed the Islamic Republic by a majority vote of
98.2%.
Now the Constitution of the Islamic Republic, as the announcement of the structure and
political, social, cultural and economic relationships within society, must guide the way
towards the consolidation of the foundations of Islamic Government, and produce the
design for a new order of Government in substitution for the old idolatrous order.
STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT IN ISLAM
From the viewpoint of Islam, government does not spring from the sphere of classes or
domination by individuals or groups. It crystallizes the political aspirations of a nation
united in faith and thinking which provides itself with an organization so that in the
process of transformation of ideas and beliefs, its way may be opened towards the
ultimate goal. In the course of its revolutionary development our nation was cleansed
from the dust and rust of idolatry, and from foreign ideological influence. It returned to
true Islamic intellectual attitudes and views of the world. Now it is planning to build its
new model society on such a basis, with Islamic standards. The Mission of the
Constitution is to identify itself with the basic beliefs of the movement and to bring about
the conditions under which the lofty and worldwide values’ of Islam will flourish.
The Constitution, having regard to the Islamic contents of the Iranian Revolution, which
was a movement for the victory of all the oppressed over the arrogant, provides a basis
for the continuation of that revolution both inside and outside the country. It particularly
tries to do this in developing international relations with other Islamic movements and
peoples, so as to prepare the way towards a united single world community
(“Your community is one community, and I am your Lord who you are to worship”)
Quotation from the Arabic and to the continuation of the progressive struggle for the
rescue of deprived and oppressed nations throughout the world.
Having regard to the intrinsic nature of this great movement, the Constitution guarantees
to oppose any kind of despotism, intellectual, social, and as regards monopoly
economics, and to struggle for freedom from the despotic system, and to entrust men’s
destiny to their own hands.
(“He releases them from their heavy burdens and yokes which are on them”) Quotation
from the Arabic.
In creating the political structures and foundations for organizing society on the basis of
acceptance of religion, devout men have the responsibility for government and
administration of the country.
(“The earth will be inherited by my pious followers”). Quotation from the Arabic.
Legislation which is to set out the codes for the management of society will have as its
central axis the Koran and tradition. Therefore there is great necessity for exact and
serious supervision by just and virtuous and dedicated Islamic scholars (FEQHA-ye-
ADEL = just men of religious law). Because the aim of government is to help mankind to
develop towards the divine order and until the ground is cleared and the human talents
have blossomed forth for the glorification of God’s nature in all its dimensions, (“To
emulate God’s morality11) Quotation from the Arabic, there cannot, except by
delegation, be active and extensive participation at all stages in the taking of political
decisions and the determination of destiny for all persons in society, so that every
individual has a hand in the task of human development and is responsible for growth and
progress and guidance. This will be the assurance of government for the oppressed of the
earth.
THE GUARDIANSHIP OF THE JUST MAN OF RELIGIOUS LAW
(FAQIYEH-e-ADEL)
On the basis of continuous Guardianship and Leadership (Imamate) the Constitution
provides for leadership under all conditions, (by a person) recognized by the people as
lender, so that there shall be security against deviation by various organizations
(“The course of affairs is in the hands of those who know God and who are trustworthy in
matters having to do with what he permits and forbids”) - Quotation from the Arabic
THE ECONOMY AS A MEANS NOT AN END
In strengthening the foundations of the economy, the governing principle is the
satisfaction of mankind’s needs in the course of its growth and development. It is not of
other economic objectives, such as centralization and the accumulation of wealth and the
search for profit. In materialistic schools of thought, economic activity is its own end
This at stages of growth, economic activity is a factor working for destruction and
corruption and decay. But in Islam economic activity is a means. As an ultimate means
there can be no more effective instrument on the path towards the goal.
From this point of view, the Islamic program of economic activity to provide a suitable
field for the emergence of human creative power in various forms, and in this way
provide equal and well-balanced opportunities, and make work, for all people, and satisfy
the essential requirements of the advance towards development is the responsibility of the
Islamic Government.
WOMEN IN THE CONSTITUTION
In the creation of Islamic foundations, all the human forces which had been in the service
of foreign exploitation powers will recover their true identity and human rights. In doing
so, women who have endured more tyranny up till now under the idolatrous order, will
naturally vindicate their rights further
The family unit is the basis of society, and the true focus for the growth and elevation of
mankind. Harmony of beliefs and aspirations in setting up the family is the true
foundation of the movement towards the development and growth of mankind. This has
been a fundamental principle. Providing the opportunities for these objectives to be
reached is one of the duties of the Islamic Government
Women were drawn away from the family unit and (put into) the condition of “being a
mere thing”, or “being a mere tool for work” in the service of consumerism and
exploitation. Re-assumption of the task of bringing up religiously-minded men and
women, ready to work and fight together in life’s fields of activity, is a serious and
precious duty of motherhood. And so acceptance of this responsibility as more serious
and - from the Islamic point of view -a loftier ground for appreciation status will be
forthcoming
THE RELIGIOUS ARMY
In the organization and equipping of the countries defense forces, there must be regard
for faith and religion as their basis and rules. And so the Islamic Republic’s army, and the
corps of Revolutionary Guards must be organized in accordance with this aim. They have
responsibility not only for the safeguarding of the frontiers, but also for a religious
mission, which is Holy War (JIHAD) along the way of God, and the struggle to extend
the supremacy of God’s Law in the world.
(“Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of
war, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies of God and your enemies, and others
beside”) Quotation from the Arabic.
THE JUDICIARY OF THE CONSTITUTION
The question of the judiciary in relation to the safeguarding of the people’s rights along
the line (adopted by) the Islamic movement with the object of preventing localized
deviation within the Islamic community, is a vital one. Thus provision must be made for
the establishment of a judicial system on the basis of Islamic justice, manned by just
judges, well acquainted with the exact rules of the Islamic code. Such a pattern of
organization is necessary because of the delicate and subtle structure of Religion, which
must be kept free from any kind of unhealthy relationship.
(“And when you judge between man and man, judge with justice”) Quotation from the
Arabic.
THE EXECUTIVE POWER
The executive power must open up the path towards the creation of an Islamic society.
This is because of its special importance as regards the putting into effect of Islamic
ordinances and regulations, so that just relationships can be attained in the governing of
society; and also because of the essential character of this vital question in laying the
foundations for the ultimate goal of life. Thus (the executive power) is to be hedged about
by every kind of intricate disciplinary arrangement which may further the attainment of
this goal, or negate any source of anxiety from the Islamic viewpoint. The bureaucracy
which was the offspring of idolatrous rule is to be eliminated with severity, so that an
executive system of greater efficiency and increasing speed (of action) can come into
existence to deal with administrative undertakings.
THE PUBLIC MEDIA
The public media must take their place in the process of development of the Islamic
revolution, and must serve in the propagation of Islamic culture. In this sphere they must
look for opportunities for a healthy exchange of differing ideas, and must rigorously
refrain from the propagation and encouragement of destructive and anti-Islamic qualities.
In pursuance of the principles of this law which recognize freedom and human dignity as
the central point of their objectives, and opens up the path of development and perfection
of man as the responsibility of all, the Islamic community must elect sagacious and
devout representatives, and exercise active supervision over their work, to participate in
the building up of the Islamic society. This in the hope that in building the exemplary
Islamic society they will succeed in setting a pattern of self-sacrifice to all the people of
the world
(“Thus we appointed you a central nation that you might be witnesses to the people”)
Quotation from the Arabic.
REPRESENTATIVES
The Council of Experts (MAJLIS-e-KHEBREGAN), composed of representatives of the
people, drew up the Constitution on the basis of scrutiny of the draft proposed by the
Government, and of the proposals put forward by various groups. It contains 12 chapters
and 175 articles. It was completed on the eve of the 15th century since the HEGIRA of
the great Prophet (God bless and preserve him) and the establishment of the redeeming
faith of Islam with the aims and motives described above, and in the hope that this
century will be the century of the rule of the world by the oppressed, and the complete
overthrow of the arrogant ones.
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
CHAPTER I
General Principles
Article 1
The form of government of Iran is that of an Islamic Republic, endorsed by the people of
Iran on the basis of their long-standing belief in the sovereignty of truth and Qur’anic
justice, in the referendum of Farvardin 9 and 10 in the year 1358 of the solar Islamic
calendar, corresponding to Jamadi al-’Awwal 1 and 2 in the year 1399 of the lunar
Islamic calendar (March 29 and 30, 1979], through the affirmative vote of a majority of
98.2% of eligible voters, held after the victorious Islamic Revolution led by the eminent
marji’ al-taqlid, Ayatullah al-Uzma Imam Khomeyni.
Article 2
The Islamic Republic is a system based on belief in:
1. the single God (as stated in the phrase “There is no god except Allah”),
His exclusive sovereignty and the right to legislate, and the necessity of
submission to His commands;
2. divine revelation and its fundamental role in setting forth the laws;
3. the return to God in the Hereafter, and the constructive role of this
belief in the course of man’s ascent towards God;
4. the justice of God in creation and legislation;
5. continuous leadership (imamat) and perpetual guidance, and its
fundamental role in ensuring the uninterrupted process of the revolution of
Islam;
6. the exalted dignity and value of man, and his freedom coupled with
responsibility before God; in which equity, justice, political, economic,
social, and cultural independence, and national solidarity are secured by
recourse to:
a. continuous Jtihad of the fuqaha’ possessing necessary
qualifications, exercised on the basis off the Qur’an and the
Sunnah of the Ma’sumun, upon all of whom be peace;
b. sciences and arts and the most advanced results of
human experience, together with the effort to advance them
further;
c. negation of all forms of oppression, both the infliction of
and the submission to it, and of dominance, both its
imposition and its acceptance.
Article 3
In order to attain the objectives specified in Article 2, the government of the Islamic
Republic of Iran has the duty of directing all its resources to the following goals:
1. the creation of a favorable environment for the growth of moral virtues
based on faith and piety and the struggle against all forms of vice and
corruption;
2. raising the level of public awareness in all areas, through the proper use
of the press, mass media, and other means;
3. free education and physical training for everyone at all levels, and the
facilitation and expansion of higher education;
4. strengthening the spirit of inquiry, investigation, and innovation in all
areas of science, technology, and culture, as well as Islamic studies, by
establishing research centers and encouraging researchers;
5. the complete elimination of imperialism and the prevention of foreign
influence;
6. the elimination of all forms of despotism and autocracy and all attempts
to monopolize power;
7. ensuring political and social freedoms within the framework of the law;
8. the participation of the entire people in determining their political,
economic, social, and cultural destiny;
9. the abolition of all forms of undesirable discrimination and the
provision of equitable opportunities for all, in both the material and
intellectual spheres;
10. the creation of a correct administrative system and elimination of
superfluous government organizations;
11. all round strengthening of the foundations of national defence to the
utmost degree by means of universal military training for the sake of
safeguarding the independence, territorial integrity, and the Islamic order
of the country;
12. the planning of a correct and just economic system, in accordance with
Islamic criteria in order to create welfare, eliminate poverty, and abolish
all forms of deprivation with respect to food, housing, work, health care,
and the provision of social insurance for all;
13. the attainment of self-sufficiency in scientific, technological,
industrial, agricultural, and military domains, and other similar spheres;
14. securing the multifarious rights of all citizens, both women and men,
and providing legal protection for all, as well as the equality of-all before
the law;
15. the expansion and strengthening of Islamic brotherhood and public
cooperation among all the people;
16. framing the foreign policy of the country on the basis of Islamic
criteria, fraternal commitment to all Muslims, and unsparing support to the
mustad’afiin of the world.
Article 4
All civil, penal financial, economic, administrative, cultural, military, political, and other
laws and regulations must be based on Islamic criteria. This principle applies absolutely
and generally to all articles of the Constitution as well as to all other laws and
regulations, and the fuqaha’ of the Guardian Council are judges in this matter.
Article 5
During the Occultation of the Wali al-Asr (may God hasten his reappearance), the
wilayah and leadership of the Ummah devolve upon the just (‘adil] and pious [muttaqi]
faqih, who is fully aware of the circumstances of his age; courageous, resourceful, and
possessed of administrative ability, will assume the responsibilities of this office in
accordance with Article 107.
Article 6
In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the affairs of the country must be administered on the
basis of public opinion expressed by the means of elections, including the election of the
President, the representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and the members of
councils, or by means of referenda in matters specified in other articles of this
Constitution.
Article 7
In accordance with the command of the Qur’an contained in the verse (“Their affairs are
by consultations among them” [42:38]) and (“Consult them in affairs” [3:159]),
consultative bodies - such as the Islamic Consultative Assembly, the Provincial Councils,
and the City, Region, District, and Village Councils and the likes of them - are the
decision-making and administrative organs of the country. The nature of each of these
councils, together with the manner of their formation, their jurisdiction, and scope of their
duties and functions, is determined by the Constitution and laws derived from it.
Article 8
In the Islamic Republic of Iran, al-’amr bilma’ruf wa al-nahy ‘an al-munkar is a universal
and reciprocal duty that must be fulfilled by the people with respect to one another, by
the government with respect to the people, and by the people with respect to the
government. The conditions, limits, and nature of this duty will be specified by law. (This
is in accordance with the Qur’anic verse; “The believers, men and women, are guardians
of one another; they enjoin the good and forbid the evil” [9:71]).
Article 9
In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the freedom, independence, unity, and territorial integrity
of the country are inseparable from one another, and their preservation is the duty of the
government and all individual citizens. No individual, group, or authority, has the right to
infringe in the slightest way upon the political, cultural, economic, and military
independence or the territorial integrity of Iran under the pretext of exercising freedom.
Similarly, no authority has the right to abrogate legitimate freedoms, not even by
enacting laws and regulations for that purpose, under the pretext of preserving the
independence and territorial integrity of the country.
Article 10
Since the family is the fundamental unit of Islamic society, all laws, regulations, and
pertinent programs must tend to facilitate the formation of a family, ,and to safeguard its
sanctity and the stability of family relations on the basis of the law and the ethics of
Islam.
Article 11
In accordance with the sacred verse of the Qur’an (“This your community is a single
community, and I am your Lord, so worship Me” [21:92]), all Muslims form a single
nation, and the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has the duty of formulating its
general policies with a view to cultivating the friendship and unity of all Muslim peoples,
and it must constantly strive to bring about the political, economic, and cultural unity of
the Islamic world.
Article 12
The official religion of Iran is Islam and the Twelver Ja’fari school [in usual al-Din and
fiqh], and this principle will remain eternally immutable. Other Islamic schools, including
the Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali, and Zaydi, are to be accorded full respect, and their
followers are free to act in accordance with their own jurisprudence in performing their
religious rites. These schools enjoy official status in matters pertaining to religious
education, affairs of personal status (marriage, divorce, inheritance, and wills) and related
litigation in courts of law. In regions of the country where Muslims following any one of
these schools of fiqh constitute the majority, local regulations, within the bounds of the
jurisdiction of local councils, are to be in accordance with the respective school of fiqh,
without infringing upon the rights of the followers of other schools.
Article 13
Zoroastrian, Jewish, and Christian Iranians are the only recognized religious minorities,
who, within the limits of the law, are free to perform their religious rites and ceremonies,
and to act according to their own canon in matters of personal affairs and religious
education.
Article 14
In accordance with the sacred verse; (“God does not forbid you to deal kindly and justly
with those who have not fought against you because of your religion and who have not
expelled you from your homes” [60:8]), the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran
and all Mu slims are duty-bound to treat non-Muslims in conformity with ethical norms
and the principles of Islamic justice and equity, and to respect their human rights. This
principle applies to all who refrain from engaging in conspiracy or activity against Islam
and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
CHAPTER II:
The Official Language, Script, Calendar, and Flag of the Country
Article 15
The official language and script of Iran, the lingua franca of its people, is Persian.
Official documents, correspondence, and texts, as well as text-books, must be in this
language and script. However, the use of regional and tribal languages in the press and
mass media, as well as for teaching of their literature in schools, is allowed in addition to
Persian.
Article 16
Since the language of the Qur’an and Islamic texts and teachings is Arabic, and since
Persian literature is thoroughly permeated by this language, it must be taught after
elementary level, in all classes of secondary school and in all areas of study.
Article 17
The official calendar of the country takes as its point of departure the migration of the
Prophet of Islam - God’s peace and blessings upon him and his Family. Both the solar and
lunar Islamic calendars are recognized, but government offices will function according to
the solar calendar. The official weekly holiday is Friday.
Article 18
The official flag of Iran is composed of green, white and red colors with the special
emblem of the Islamic Republic, together with the motto [Allah-o Akbar].
CHAPTER III
The Rights of the People
Article 19
All people of Iran, whatever the ethnic group or tribe to which they belong, enjoy equal
rights; and color, race, language, and the like, do not bestow any privilege.
Article 20
All citizens of the country, both men and women, equally enjoy the protection of the law
and enjoy all human, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, in conformity with
Islamic criteria.
Article 21
The government must ensure the rights of women in all respects, in conformity with
Islamic criteria, and accomplish the following goals:
1. create a favorable environment for the growth of woman’s personality
and the restoration of her rights, both the material and intellectual;
2. the protection of mothers, particularly during pregnancy and
childbearing, and the protection of children
without guardians;
3. establishing competent courts to protect and preserve the family;
4. the provision of special insurance for widows, and aged women and
women without support;
5. the awarding of guardianship of children to worthy mothers, in order to
protect the interests of the children, in the absence of a legal guardian.
Article 22
The dignity, life, property, rights, residence, and occupation of the individual are
inviolate, except in cases sanctioned by law.
Article 23
The investigation of individuals’ beliefs is forbidden, and no one may be molested or
taken to task simply for holding a certain belief.
Article 24
Publications and the press have freedom of expression except when it is where there is
infringement of the basic tenets of Islam or public rights. In this respect detailed
provisions will be laid down by law.
Article 25
Examination of (the contents of), and non-delivery of, letters; recording and divulging of
telephone conversations; disclosure of telegraphic or telex communications; censorship,
pruning or non-transmission of messages; tapping and bugging and any kind of
investigation are all forbidden, unless when so ordered by the law.
Article 26
Political parties, societies, political and craft associations, and Islamic or recognized
minority religious associations may be freely brought into being, provided that no
violation is involved of the principles of independence, freedom, national unity, Islamic
standards, and the foundations of the Islamic Republic. No person may be prevented from
joining, or compelled to join, one of the above.
Article 27
Unarmed assemblies and marches may be freely organized, provided that no violation of
the foundations of Islam is involved.
Article 28
Every person is entitled to choose the employment he wishes, so long as it is not contrary
to Islam or the public interest or the rights of others.
The Government is bound, with due regard for the needs of society for a variety of
employment for all men, to create the possibility of employment, and equal opportunities
for obtaining it.
Article 29
Every person is entitled to the enjoyment of Social Security. This covers retirement,
unemployment, old age, being laid off (AZ KAR OFTADEGI), being without a guardian,
casual misfortune, accidents, and occurrences giving rise to the need for health services
and medical care and treatment, through insurance etc.
The Government is bound, in accordance with the laws, to use public revenues and the
revenue drawn from individual contributions to provide the services and financial support
mentioned above for every individual in the country
Article 30
The Government is bound to make available, tree of charge, educational facilities for all
up to the close of the secondary stage, and to expand free facilities for higher education
up to the limits of the country’s own capacity
Article 31
Every Iranian individual and family is entitled to a dwelling appropriate to their need.
The Government is bound to provide this, giving priority to those whose need is greatest,
in particular peasants and workers, in the implementation of this Article.
Article 32
No person may be arrested except according to and in the manner laid down in the law. If
someone is detained, the subject matter of the charge, with reasons (for bringing it), must
immediately be communicated and explained in writing to the accused. Within at most 24
hours the file on the case and preliminary documentation must be referred to the
competent legal authority. Legal procedures must be initiated as early as possible.
Anyone infringing this principle will be punished in accordance with the law.
Article 33
No person may be ousted from his residence, or forbidden to reside in the locality of his
choice, or compelled to reside In a particular locality, unless the law prescribes this.
Article 34
To ask for justice is the unquestioned right of every individual Everyone may refer to the
competent courts in search of justice. All members of the nation are entitled to have
recourse to such courts within their reach. No one may be prevented from recourse to any
court to which the law entitles him to refer
Article 35
In all courts, both parties to the claim are entitled to select a lawyer for themselves. If
they do not have the capacity to do this, the means of a lawyer being appointed to act for
them must be made available to them.
Article 36
A sentence to punishment and its execution must only be by the decision of a competent
court, and by virtue of law
Article 37
Innocence is the basic principle No person is considered legally guilty, except in cases
where his guilt is established in a competent court.
Article 38
Any kind of torture used to extract an admission of guilt or to obtain information is
forbidden. Compelling people to give evidence, or confess or take an oath is not allowed.
Such evidence or confession or oath is null and void. Any person infringing this principle
is to be punished in accordance with the law.
Article 39
Aspersion of the dignity of and respect due to any person who has been arrested or put in
detention, or imprisoned or exiled by command of the law is forbidden in any form, and
is liable to punishment.
Article 40
No person may exercise his own rights as a means of constraining others or violating the
public interest.
Article 41
Citizenship of Iran is the unquestioned right of all Iranians. The Government may not
deprive any Iranian of his citizenship, except at their own request, or if they take up
citizenship of another country.
Article 42
Foreign nationals may within the limits of the law take up Iranian citizenship. The
citizenship of such persons may only be taken away if, possibly, another Government
accepts them into citizenship, or at their own request.
CHAPTER IV
Economy and Financial Affairs
Article 43
The economy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with its objectives of achieving the
economic independence of the society, uprooting poverty and deprivation, and fulfilling
human needs in the process of development while preserving human liberty, is. based on
the following criteria:
1. the provision of basic necessities for all citizens: housing, food,
clothing, hygiene, medical treatment, education, and the necessary
facilities for the establishment of a family;
2. ensuring conditions and opportunities of employment for everyone,
with a view to attaining full employment; placing the means of work at the
disposal of everyone who is able to work but lacks the means, in the form
of cooperatives, through granting interest-free loans or recourse to any
other legitimate means that neither results in the concentration or
circulation of wealth in the hands of a few individuals or groups, nor turns
the government into a major absolute employer. These steps must be taken
with due regard for the requirements governing the general economic
planning of the country at each stage of its growth;
3. the plan for the national economy, must be structured in such a manner
that the form, con-tent, and hours of work of every individual will allow
him sufficient leisure and energy to engage, beyond his professional
endeavor, in intellectual, political, and social activities leading to all-round
development of his self, to take active part in leading the affairs of the
country, improve his skills, and to make full use of his creativity;
4. respect for the right to choose freely one’s occupation; refraining from
compelling anyone to engage in a particular job; and preventing the
exploitation of another’s labor;
5. the prohibition of infliction of harm and loss upon others, monopoly,
hoarding, usury, and other illegitimate and evil practices;
6. the prohibition of extravagance and wastefulness in all matters related
to the economy, including consumption, investment, production,
distribution, and services;
7. the utilization of science and technology, and the training of skilled
personnel in accordance with the developmental needs of the country’s
economy;
8. prevention of foreign economic domination over the country’s
economy;
9. emphasis on increase of agricultural, livestock, and industrial
production in order to satisfy public needs and to make the country selfsufficient
and free from dependence.
Article 44
The economy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to consist of three sectors: state,
cooperative, and private, and is to be based on systematic and sound planning. The state
sector is to include all large-scale and mother industries, foreign trade, major minerals,
banking, insurance, power generation, dams and large-scale irrigation networks, radio
and television, post, telegraph and telephone services, aviation, shipping, roads, railroads
and the like; all these will be publicly owned and administered by the State. The
cooperative sector is to include cooperative companies and enterprises concerned with
production and distribution, in urban and rural areas, in accordance with Islamic criteria.
The private sector consists of those activities concerned with agriculture, animal
husbandry, industry, trade, and services that supplement the economic activities of the
state and cooperative sectors. Ownership in each of these three sectors is protected by the
laws of the Islamic Republic, in so far as this ownership is in conformity with the other
articles of this chapter, does not go beyond the bounds of Islamic law, contributes to the
economic growth and progress of the country, and does not harm society. The [precise]
scope of each of these sectors, as well as the regulations and conditions governing their
operation, will be specified by law.
Article 45
Public wealth and property, such as uncultivated or abandoned land, mineral deposits,
seas, lakes, rivers and other public water-ways, mountains, valleys, forests, marshlands,
natural forests, unenclosed pastures, legacies without heirs, property of undetermined
ownership, and public property recovered from usurpers, shall be at the disposal of the
Islamic government for it to utilize in accordance with the public interest. Law will
specify detailed procedures for the utilization of each of the foregoing items.
Article 46
Everyone is the owner of the fruits of his legitimate business and labor, and no one may
deprive another of the opportunity of business and work under the pretext of his right to
ownership.
Article 47
Private ownership, legitimately acquired, is to be respected. The relevant criteria are
determined by law.
Article 48
There must be no discrimination among the various provinces with regard to the
exploitation of natural resources, utilization of public revenues, and distribution of
economic activities among the various provinces and regions of the country, thereby
ensuring that every region has access to the necessary capital and facilities in accordance
with its needs and capacity for growth.
Article 49
The government has the responsibility of confiscating all wealth accumulated through
usury, usurpation, bribery, embezzlement, theft, gambling, misuse of endowments,
misuse of government contracts and transactions, the sale of uncultivated lands and other
resources subject to public ownership, the operation of centers of corruption, and other
illicit means and sources, and restoring it to its legitimate owner; and if no such owner
can be identified, it must be entrusted to the public treasury. This rule must be executed
by the government with due care, after investigation and furnishing necessary evidence in
accordance with the law of Islam.
Article 50
The preservation of the environment, in which the present as well as the future
generations have a right to flourishing social existence, is regarded as a public duty in the
Islamic Republic. Economic and other activities that inevitably involve pollution of the
environment or cause irreparable damage to it are therefore forbidden.
Article 51
No form of taxation may be imposed except in accordance with the law. Provisions for
tax exemption and reduction will be determined by law.
Article 52
The annual budget of the country will be drain up by the government, in the manner
specified by law, and submitted to the Islamic Consultative Assembly for discussion and
approval. Any change in the figures contained in the budget will be in accordance with
the procedures prescribed by law.
Article 53
All sums collected by the government will be deposited into the government accounts at
the central treasury, and all disbursements, within the limits of allocations approved, shall
be made in accordance with law.
Article 54
The National Accounting Agency is to be directly under the supervision of the Islamic
Consultative Assembly. Its organization and mode of operation in Tehran and at the
provincial capitals, are to be determined by law.
Article 55
The National Accounting Agency will inspect and audit, in the manner prescribed by law,
all the accounts of ministries, government institutions and companies as well as other
organizations that draw, in any way, on the general budget of the country, to ensure that
no expenditure exceeds the allocations approved and that all sums are spent for the
specified purpose. It will collect all relevant accounts, documents, and records, in
accordance with law, and submit to the Islamic Consultative Assembly a report for the
settlement of each year’s budget together with its own comments. This report must be
made available to the public.
CHAPTER V
The Right of National Sovereignty and
the Powers Deriving Therefrom
Article 56
Absolute sovereignty over the world and man belongs to God, and it is He Who has made
man master of his own social destiny. No one can deprive man of this divine right, nor
subordinate it to the vested interests of a particular individual or group. The people are to
exercise this divine right in the manner specified in the following articles.
Article 57
The powers of government in the Islamic Republic are vested in the legislature, the
judiciary, and the executive powers, functioning under the supervision of the absolute
wilayat al-’amr and the leadership of the Ummah, in accordance with the forthcoming
articles of this Constitution. These powers are independent of each other.
Article 58
The function of the legislature are to be exercised through the Islamic Consultative
Assembly, consisting of the elected representatives of the people. Legislation approved
by this body, after going through the stages specified in the articles below, is
communicated to the executive and the judiciary for implementation.
Article 59
In extremely important economic, political, social, and cultural matters, the function of
the legislature may be exercised through direct recourse to popular vote through a
referendum. Any request for such direct recourse to public opinion must be approved by
two-thirds of the members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly.
Article 60
The functions of the executive, except in the matters that are directly placed under the
jurisdiction of the Leadership by the Constitution, are to be exercised by the president
and the ministers.
Article 61
The function of the judiciary are to be performed by courts of justice, which are to be
formed in accordance with the criteria of Islam, and are vested with the authority to
examine and settle lawsuits, protect the rights of the public, dispense and enact justice,
and implement the Divine limits [al-hudud al-Ilahiyyah].
CHAPTER VI
The Islamic Consultative Assembly
(The Legislative Power)
Article 62
The Islamic consultative Assembly is constituted by the representatives of the people
elected directly and by secret ballot. The qualifications of voters and candidates, as well
as the nature of election, will be specified by law.
Article 63
The term of membership in the Islamic Consultative Assembly is four years. Elections for
each term must take place before the end of the preceding term, so that the country is
never without an Assembly.
Article 64
There are to be two hundred seventy members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly
which, keeping in view the human, political, geographic and other similar factors, may
increase by not more than twenty for each ten-year period from the date of the national
referendum of the year 1368 of the solar Islamic calendar. The Zoroastrians and Jews will
each elect one representative; Assyrian and Chaldean Christians will jointly elect one
representative; and Armenian Christians in the north and those in the south of the country
will each elect one representative. The limits of the election constituencies and the
number of representatives will be deter-mined by law.
Article 65
After the holding of elections, sessions of the Islamic Consultative Assembly are
considered legally valid when two-thirds of the total number of members are present.
Drafts and bills will be approved in accordance with the code of procedure approved by
it, except in cases where the Constitution has specified a certain quorum. The consent of
two-thirds of all members present is necessary for the approve of the code of procedure
of the Assembly.
Article 66
The manner of election of the Speaker and the Presiding Board of the Assembly, the
number of committees and their term of office, and matters related to conducting the
discussions and maintaining the discipline of the Assembly will be determined by the
code of procedure of the Assembly.
Article 67
Members of the Assembly must take the following oath at the first session of the
Assembly and affix their signatures to its text: In the Name of God, the Compassionate,
the Merciful. In the presence of the Glorious Qur’an, I swear by God, the Exalted and
Almighty, and undertake, swearing by my own honor as a human being, to protect the
sanctity of Islam and guard the accomplishments of the Islamic Revolution of the Iranian
people and the foundations of the Islamic Republic; to protect, as a just trustee, the honor
bestowed upon me by the people, to observe piety in fulfilling my duties as people’s
representative; to remain always committed to the independence and honor of the
country; to fulfill my duties towards the nation and the service of the people; to defend
the Constitution; and to bear in mind, both in speech and writing and in the expression of
my views, the independence of the country, the freedom of the people, and the security of
their interests.
Members belonging to the religious minorities will swear by their own sacred books
while taking this oath.
Members not attending the first session will perform the ceremony of taking the oath at
the first session they attend.
Article 68
In time of war and the military occupation of the country, elections due to be held in
occupied areas or countrywide may be delayed for a specified period if proposed by the
President of the Republic, and approved by three-fourths of the total members of the
Islamic Consultative Assembly, with the endorsement of the Guardian Council. If a new
Assembly is not formed, the previous one will continue to function.
Article 69
The deliberations of the Islamic Consultative Assembly must be open, and full minutes of
them made available to the public by the radio and the official gazette. A closed session
may be held in emergency conditions, if it is required for national security, upon the
requisition of the President, one of the ministers, or ten members of the Assembly.
Legislation passed at a closed session is valid only when approved by three-fourths of the
members in the presence of the Guardian Council. After emergency conditions have
ceased to exist, the minutes of such closed sessions, together with any legislation
approved in them, must be made available to the public.
Article 70
The President, his deputies and the ministers have the right to participate in the open
sessions of the Assembly either collectively or individually. They may also have their
advisers accompany them. If the members of the Assembly deem it necessary, the
ministers are obliged to attend. [Conversely], whenever they request it, their statements
are to be heard.
SECTION TWO
Powers and Authority of the
Islamic Consultative Assembly
Article 71
The Islamic Consultative Assembly can establish laws on all matters, within the limits of
its competence as laid down in the Constitution.
Article 72
The Islamic Consultative Assembly cannot enact laws contrary to the usual and ahkam of
the official religion of the country or to the Constitution. It is the duty of the Guardian
Council to determine whether a violation has occurred, in accordance with Article 96.
Article 73
The interpretation of ordinary laws falls within the competence of the Islamic
Consultative Assembly. The intent of this Article does not prevent the interpretations that
judges may make in the course of cassation.
Article 74
Government bills are presented to the Islamic Consultative Assembly after receiving the
approval of the Council of Ministers. Members’ bills may be introduced in the Islamic
Consultative Assembly if sponsored by at least fifteen members.
Article 75
Members’ bills and proposals and amendments to governments bills proposed by
members that entail the reduction of the public income or the increase of public
expenditure may be introduced in the Assembly only if means for compensating for the
decrease in income or for meeting the new expenditure are also specified.
Article 76
The Islamic Consultative Assembly has the right to investigate and examine all the affairs
of the country.
Article 77
International treaties, protocols, contracts, and agreements must be approved by the
Islamic Consultative Assembly.
Article 78
All changes in the boundaries of the country are forbidden, with the exception of minor
amendments in keeping with the interests of the country, on condition that they are not
unilateral, do not encroach on the independence and territorial integrity of the country,
and receive the approval of four-fifths of the total members of the Islamic Consultative
Assembly.
Article 79
The proclamation of martial law is forbidden. In case of war or emergency conditions
akin to war, the government has the right to impose temporarily certain necessary
restrictions, with the agreement of the Islamic Consultative Assembly. In no case can
such restrictions last for more than thirty days; if the need for them persists beyond this
limit, the government must obtain new authorization for them from the Assembly.
Article 80
The taking and giving of loans or grants-in-aid, domestic and foreign, by the government,
must be approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly.
Article 81
The granting of concessions to foreigners for the formation of companies or institutions
dealing with commerce, industry, agriculture, services or mineral extraction, is absolutely
forbidden.
Article 82
The employment of foreign experts is forbidden, except in cases of necessity and with the
approval of the Islamic Consultative Assembly.
Article 83
Government buildings and properties forming part of the national heritage cannot be
transferred except with the approval of the Islamic Consultative Assembly; that, too, is
not applicable in the case of irreplaceable treasures.
Article 84
Every representative is responsible to the entire nation and has the right to express his
views on all internal and external affairs of the country.
Article 85
The right of membership is vested with the individual, and is not transferable to others.
The Assembly cannot delegate the power of legislation to an individual or committee.
But whenever necessary, it can delegate the power of legislating certain laws to its own
committees, in accordance with Article 72. In such a case, the laws will be implemented
on a tentative basis for a period specified by the Assembly, and their final approval willrest
with the Assembly. Likewise, the Assembly may, in accordance with Article 72,
delegate to the relevant committees the responsibility for permanent approval of articles
of association of organizations, companies, government institutions, or organizations
affiliated to the government and or invest the authority in the government. In such a case,
the government approvals must not be inconsistent with the principles and
commandments of the official religion in the country and or the Constitution which
question shall be determined by the Guardian Council in accordance with what is stated
in Article 96. In addition to this, the government approvals shall not be against the laws
and other general rules of the country and, while calling for implementation, the same
shall be brought to the knowledge of the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly
for his study and indication that the approvals in question are not inconsistent with the
aforesaid rules.
Article 86
Members of the Assembly are completely free in expressing their views and casting their
votes in the course of performing their duties as representatives, and they cannot be
prosecuted or arrested for opinions expressed in the Assembly or votes cast in the course
of performing their duties as representatives.
Article 87
The President must obtain, for the Council of Ministers, after being formed and before all
other business, a vote of confidence from the Assembly. During his incumbency, he can
also seek a vote of confidence for the Council of Ministers from the Assembly on
important and controversial issues.
Article 88
Whenever at least one-fourth of the total members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly
pose a question to the President, or any one member of the Assembly poses a question to
a minister on a subject relating to their duties, the President or the minister is obliged to
attend the Assembly and answer the question. This answer must not be delayed more than
one month in the case of the President and ten days in the case of the minister, except
with an excuse deemed reasonable by the Islamic Consultative Assembly.
Article 89
1. Members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly can interpolate the Council of
Ministers or an individual minister in instances they deem necessary. Interpolations can
be tabled if they bear the signatures of at least ten members. The Council of Ministers or
interpolated minister must be present in the Assembly within ten days after the tabling of
the interpolation in order to answer it and seek a vote of confidence. If the Council of
Ministers or the minister concerned fails to attend the Assembly, the members who tabled
the interpolation will explain their reasons, and the Assembly will declare a vote of noconfidence
if it deems it necessary. If the Assembly does not pronounce a vote of
confidence, the Council of Ministers or the minister subject to interpolation is dismissed.
In both cases, the ministers subject to interpolation cannot become members of the next
Council of Ministers formed immediately afterwards.
2. In the event at least one-third of the members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly
interpolate the President concerning his executive responsibilities in relation with the
Executive Power and the executive affairs of the country, the President must be present in
the Assembly within one month after the tabling of the interpolation in order to give
adequate explanations in regard to the matters raised. In the event, after hearing the
statements of the opposing and favoring members and the reply of the President, twothirds
of the members of the Assembly declare a vote of no confidence, the same will be
communicated to the Leadership for information and implementation of Section (10) of
Article 110 of the Constitution.
Article 90
Whoever has a complaint concerning the work of the Assembly or the executive power,
or the judicial power can forward his complaint in writing to the Assembly. The
Assembly must investigate his complaint and give a satisfactory reply. In cases where the
complaint relates to the executive or the judiciary, the Assembly must demand proper
investigation in the matter and an adequate explanation from them, and announce the
results within a reasonable time. In cases where the subject of the complaint is of public
interest, the reply must be made public.
Article 91
With a view to safeguard the Islamic ordinances and the Constitution, in order to examine
the compatibility of the legislation passed by the Islamic Consultative Assembly with
Islam, a council to be known as the Guardian Council is to be constituted with the
following composition:
1. six ‘adil fuqaha’ conscious of the present needs and the issues of the day,
to be selected by the Leader, and
2. six jurists, specializing in different areas of law, to be elected by the
Islamic Consultative Assembly from among the Muslim jurists nominatedby
the Head of the Judicial Power.
Article 92
Members of the Guardian Council are elected to serve for a period of six years, but
during the first term, after three years have passed, half of the members of each group
will be changed by lot and new members will be elected in their place.
Article 93
The Islamic Consultative Assembly does not hold any legal status if there is no Guardian
Council in existence, except for the purpose of approving the credentials of its members
and the election of the six jurists on the Guardian Council.
Article 94
All legislation passed by the Islamic Consultative Assembly must be sent to the Guardian
Council. The Guardian Council must review it within a maximum of ten days from its
receipt with a view to ensuring its compatibility with the criteria of Islam and the
Constitution. If it finds the legislation incompatible, it will return it to the Assembly for
review. Otherwise the legislation will be deemed enforceable.
Article 95
In cases where the Guardian Council deems ten days inadequate for completing the
process of review and delivering a definite opinion, it can request the Islamic
Consultative Assembly to grant an extension of the time limit not exceeding ten days.
Article 96
The determination of compatibility of the legislation passed by the Islamic Consultative
Assembly with the laws of Islam rests with the majority vote of the fuqaha’ on the
Guardian Council; and the determination of its compatibility with the Constitution rests
with the majority of all the members of the Guardian Council.
Article 97
In order to expedite the work, the members of the Guardian Council may attend the
Assembly and listen to its debates when a government bill or a members’ bill is under
discussion. When an urgent government or members’ bill is placed on the agenda of the
Assembly, the members of the Guardian Council must attend the Assembly and make
their views known.
Article 98
The authority of the interpretation of the Constitution is vested with the Guardian
Council, which is to be done with the consent of three-fourths of its members.
Article 99
The Guardian Council has the responsibility of supervising the elections of the Assembly
of Experts for Leadership, the President of the Republic, the Islamic Consultative
Assembly, and the direct recourse to popular opinion and referenda.
CHAPTER VII
Public Councils
Article 100
In order to expedite social, economic, development, public health, cultural, and
educational programs and facilitate other affairs relating to public welfare with the
cooperation of the people according to local needs, the administration of each village,
division, city, municipality, and province will be supervised by a council to be named the
Village, Division, City, Municipality, or Provincial Council. Members of each of these
councils will be elected by the people of the locality in question. Qualifications for the
eligibility of electors and candidates for these councils, as well as their functions and
powers, the mode of election, the jurisdiction of these councils, the hierarchy of their
authority, will be determined by law, in such a way as to preserve national unity,
territorial integrity, the system of the Islamic Republic, and the sovereignty of the central
government.
Article 101
In order to prevent discrimination in the preparation of programs for the development and
welfare of the provinces, to secure the cooperation of the people, and to arrange for the
supervision of coordinated implementation of such programs, a Supreme Council of the
Provinces will be formed, composed of representatives of the Provincial Councils. Law
will specify the manner in which this council is to be formed and the functions that it is to
fulfill.
Article 102
The Supreme Council of the Provinces has the right within its jurisdiction to draft bills
and to submit them to the Islamic Consultative Assembly, either directly or through the
government. These bills must be examined by the Assembly.
Article 103
Provincial governors, city governors, divisional governors, and other officials appointed
by the government must abide by all decisions taken by the councils within their
jurisdiction.
Article 104
In order to ensure Islamic equity and cooperation in chalking out the programs and to
bring about the harmonious progress of all units of production, both industrial and
agricultural, councils consisting of the representatives of the workers, peasants, other
employees, and managers, will be formed in educational and administrative units, units of
service industries, and other units of a like nature, similar councils will be formed,
composed of representatives of the members of those units. The mode of the formation of
these councils and the scope of their functions and powers, are to be specified by law.
Article 105
Decisions taken by the councils must not be contrary to the criteria of Islam and the laws
of the country.
Article 106
The councils may not be dissolved unless they deviate from their legal duties. The body
responsible for determining such deviation, as well as the manner for dissolving the
councils and re-forming them, will be specified by law. Should a council have any
objection to its dissolution, it has the right to appeal to a competent court, and the court is
duty-bound to examine its complaint outside the docket sequence.
CHAPTER VIII
The Leader or Leadership Council
Article 107
After the demise of the eminent marji’ al-taqlid and great leader of the universal Islamic
revolution, and founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatullah al-’Uzma Imam
Khomeyni - quddisa sirruh al-sharif - who was recognized and accepted as marji’ and
Leader by a decisive majority of the people, the task of appointing the Leader shall be
vested with the experts elected by the people. The experts will review and consult among
themselves concerning all the fuqaha’ possessing the qualifications specified in Articles 5
and 109. In the event they find one of them better versed in Islamic regulations, the
subjects of the fiqh, or in political and social Issues, or possessing general popularity or
special prominence for any of the qualifications mentioned in Article 109, they shall elect
him as the Leader. Otherwise, in the absence of such a superiority, they shall elect and
declare one of them as the Leader. The Leader thus elected by the Assembly of Experts
shall assume all the powers of the wilayat al-amr and all the responsibilities arising
therefrom. The Leader is equal with the rest of the people of the country in the eyes of
law.
Article 108
The law setting out the number and qualifications of the experts [mentioned in, the
preceding article], the mode of their election, and the code of procedure regulating the
sessions during the first term, must be drawn up by the fuqaha’ on the first Guardian
Council, passed by a majority of votes and then finally approved by the Leader of the
Revolution. The power to make any subsequent change or a review of this law, or
approval of all the provisions concerning the duties of the experts is vested in themselves.
Article 109
Following are the essential qualifications and conditions for the Leader:
a. scholarship, as required for performing the functions of mufti in
different fields of fiqh.
b. Justice and piety, as required for the leadership of the Islamic Ummah.
c. right political and social perspicacity, prudence, courage, administrative
facilities and adequate capability for leadership.
In case of multiplicity of persons fulfilling the above qualifications and conditions, the
person possessing the better jurisprudential and political perspicacity will be given
preference.
Article 110
Following are the duties and powers of the Leadership:
1. Delineation of the general policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran after
consultation with the Nation’s Exigency Council.
2. Supervision over the proper execution of the general policies of the
system.
3. Issuing decrees for national referenda.
4. Assuming supreme command of the armed forces.
5. Declaration of war and peace, and the mobilization of the armed forces.
6. Appointment, dismissal, and acceptance of resignation of:
a. the fuqaha’ on the Guardian Council.
b. the supreme judicial authority of the country.
c. the head of the radio and television network of the
Islamic Republic of Iran.
d. the chief of the joint staff.
e. the chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards
Corps.
f. the supreme commanders of the armed forces.
7. Resolving differences between the three wings of the armed forces and
regulation of their relations.
8. Resolving the problems, which cannot be solved by conventional
methods, through the Nation’s Exigency Council.
9. Signing the decree formalizing the election of the President of the
Republic by the people. The suitability of candidates for the Presidency of
the Republic, with respect to the qualifications specified in the
Constitution, must be confirmed before elections take place by the
Guardian Council; and, in the case of the first term [of the Presidency], by
the Leadership;
10. Dismissal of the’ President of the Republic, with due regard for the
interests of the country, after the Supreme Court holds him guilty of the
violation of his constitutional duties, or after a vote of the Islamic
Consultative Assembly testifying to his incompetence on the basis of
Article 89 of the Constitution.
11. Pardoning or reducing the sentences of convicts, within the framework
of Islamic criteria, on a recommendation [to that effect] from the Head of
judicial power.
The Leader may delegate part of his duties and powers to another person.
Article 111
Whenever the Leader becomes incapable of fulfilling his constitutional duties, or lobs
one of the qualifications mentioned in Articles 5 and 109, or it becomes known that he
did not possess some of the qualifications initially, he will be dismissed. The authority of
determination in this matter is vested with the experts specified in Article 108. In the
event of the death, or resignation or dismissal of the Leader, the experts shall take steps
within the shortest possible time for the appointment of the new Leader. Till the
appointment of the new Leader, a council consisting of the President, head of the judicial
power, and a faqih from the Guardian Council, upon the decision of the Nation’s
Exigency Council, shall temporarily take over all the duties of the Leader. In the event,
during this period, any one of them is unable to fulfill his duties for whatsoever reason,
another person, upon the decision of majority of fuqaha’ in the Nation’s Exigency Council
shall be elected in his place. This council shall take action in respect of items 1,3,5, and
10, and sections d, e and f of item 6 of Article 110, upon the decision of three-fourths of
the members of the Nation’s Exigency Council. Whenever the Leader becomes
temporarily unable to perform the duties of leadership owing to his illness or any other
incident, then during this period, the council mentioned in this Article shall assume his
duties.
Article 112
Upon the order of the Leader, the Nation’s Exigency Council shall meet at any time the
Guardian Council judges a proposed bill of the Islamic Consultative Assembly to be
against the principles of Shariah or the Constitution, and the Assembly is ‘unable to meet
the expectations of the Guardian Council. Also, the Council shall meet for consideration
on any issue forwarded to it by the Leader and shall carry out any other responsibility as
mentioned in this Constitution. The permanent and changeable members of the Council
shall be appointed by the Leader. The rules for the Council shall be formulated and
approved by the Council members subject to the confirmation by the Leader.
CHAPTER IX
The Executive Power
SECTION ONE
The Presidency
Article 113
After the office of Leadership, the President is the highest official in the country. His is
the responsibility for implementing the Constitution and acting as the head of the
executive, except in matters directly concerned with (the office of) the Leadership.
Article 114
The President is elected for a four-year term by the direct vote of the people. His reelection
for a successive term is permissible only once.
Article 115
The President must be elected from among religious and political personalities possessing
the following qualifications: Iranian origin; Iranian nationality; administrative capacity
and resourcefulness; a good past-record; trustworthiness and piety; convinced belief in
the fundamental principles of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the official religion of the
country.
Article 116
Candidates nominated for the post of President must declare their candidature officially.
Law lays down the manner in which the President is to be elected.
Article 117
The President is elected by an absolute majority of votes polled by the voters. But if none
of the candidates is able to win such a majority In the first round, voting will take place a
second time on Friday of the following week. In the second round only the two
candidates who received greatest number of votes in the first round will participate. If,
however, some of the candidates securing greatest votes in the first round withdraw from
the elections, the final choice will be between the two candidates who won greater
number of votes than all the remaining candidates.
Article 118
Responsibility for the supervision of the election, of the President lies with the Guardian
Council, as stipulated in Article 99. But before the establishment of the first Guardian
Council, however, it lies with a supervisory body to be constituted by law.
Article 119
The election of a new President must take place no later than one month before the end of
the term of the outgoing President. In the interim period before the election of the new
President and the end of the term of the outgoing President, the outgoing President will
perform the duties of the, President.
Article 120
In case any of the candidates whose suitability is established in terms of the qualifications
listed above should die within ten days before polling day, the elections will be
postponed for two weeks. If one of the candidates securing greatest number of votes dies
in the intervening period between the first and second rounds of voting, the period for
holding (the second round of) the election will be extended for two weeks.
Article 121
The President must take the following oath and affix his signature to it at a session of the
Islamic Consultative Assembly in the presence of the head of the judicial power and the
members of the Guardian Council:
“In, the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful, I, as President, swear, in the
presence of the Noble Qur’an and the people of Iran, by God, the Exalted and Almighty,
that I will guard the official religion of the country, the order of the Islamic Republic and
the Constitution of the country; that I will devote all my capacities and abilities to the
fulfillment of the responsibilities that I have assumed; that I will dedicate myself to the
service of the people, the honor of the country, the propagation of religion and morality,
and the support of truth and justice, refraining from every kind of arbitrary behavior; that
I will protect the freedom and dignity of all citizens and the rights that the Constitution
has accorded the people; that in guarding the frontiers and the political, economic, and
cultural independence of the country I will not shirk any necessary measure; that, seeking
help from God and following the Prophet of Islam and the infallible Imams (peace be
upon them), I will guard, as a pious and selfless trustee, the authority vested in me by the
people as a sacred trust, and transfer it to whomever the people may elect after me.”
Article 122
The President, within the limits of his powers and duties, which he has by virtue of this
Constitution or other laws, is responsible to the people, the Leader and the Islamic
Consultative Assembly.
Article 123
The President is obliged to sign legislation approved by the Assembly or the result of a
referendum, after the (related) legal procedures have been completed and it has been
communicated to him. After signing, he must forward it to the responsible authorities for
implementation.
Article 124
The President may have deputies for the performance of his constitutional duties. With
the approval of the President, the first deputy of the President shall be vested with the
responsibilities of administering the affairs of the Council of Ministers and coordination
of functions of other deputies.
Article 125
The President or his legal representative has the authority to sign treaties, protocols,
contracts, and agreements concluded by the Iranian government with other governments,
as well as agreements pertaining to international organizations, after obtaining the
approval of the Islamic Consultative Assembly.
Article 126
The President is responsible for national planning and budget and state employment
affairs and may entrust the administration of these to others.
Article 127
In special circumstances, subject to approval of the Council of Ministers the President
may appoint one or more special representatives with specific powers. In such cases, the
decisions of his representative(s) will be considered as tee same as those of the President
and the Council of Ministers.
Article 128
The ambassadors shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the foreign minister
and approval of the President. The President signs the credentials of ambassadors and
receives the credentials presented by the ambassadors ,of the foreign countries.
Article 129
The award of state decorations is a prerogative of the President.
Article 130
The President shall submit his resignation to the Leader and shall continue performing his
duties until his resignation is not accepted.
Article 131
In case of death, dismissal, resignation, absence, or illness lasting longer than two months
of the President, or when his term in office has ended and a new president has not been
elected due to some impediments, or similar other circumstances, his first deputy shall
assume, with the approval of the Leader, the powers and functions of the President. The
Council, consisting of the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, head of the
judicial power, and the first deputy of the President, is obliged to arrange for a new
President to be elected within a maximum period of fifty days. In case of death of the first
deputy to the President, or other matters which prevent him to perform his duties, or
when the President does not have a first deputy, the Leader shall appoint another person
in his place.
Article 132
During the period when the powers and responsibilities of the President are assigned to
his first deputy or the other person in accordance with Article 131, neither can the
ministers be interpolated nor can a vote of no-confidence be passed against them. Also,
neither can any step be undertaken for a review of the Constitution, nor a national
referendum be held.
SECTION TWO
The President and Ministers
Article 133
Ministers will be appointed by the President and will be presented to the Assembly for a
vote of confidence. With the change of Assembly, a new vote of confidence will not be
necessary. The number of ministers and the jurisdiction of each will be determined by
law.
Article 134
The President is the head of the Council of Ministers. He supervises the work of the
ministers and takes all necessary measures to coordinate the decisions of the government.
With the cooperation of the ministers, he determines the program and policies of the
government and implements the laws. In the case of discrepancies, or interference in the
constitutional duties of the government agencies, the decision of the Council of Ministers
at the request of the President shall be binding provided it does not call for an
interpretation of or modification in the laws. The President is responsible to the Assembly
for the actions of the Council of Ministers.
Article 135
The ministers shall continue in office unless they are dismissed, or given a vote of noconfidence
by the Assembly as a result of their interpolation, or a motion for a vote of noconfidence
against them.
The resignation of the Council of Ministers, or that of each of them shall be submitted to
the President, and the Council of Ministers shall continue to function until such time as
the new government is appointed.
The President can appoint a caretaker for a maximum period of three months for the
ministries having no minister.
Article 136
The President can dismiss the ministers and in such a case he must obtain a vote of
confidence for the new minister(s) from the Assembly. In case half of the members of the
Council of Ministers are changed after the government has received its vote of
confidence from the Assembly, the government must seek a fresh vote of confidence
from the Assembly.
Article 137
Each of the ministers is responsible for his duties to the President and the Assembly, but
in meters approved by the Council of Ministers as a whole, he is also responsible for the
actions of the others.
Article 138
In addition to instances in which the Council of Ministers or a single minister is
authorized to frame procedures for the implementation of laws, the Council of Ministers
has the right to lay down rules, regulations, and procedures for performing its
administrative duties, ensuring the implementation of laws, and setting up administrative
bodies. Each of the ministers also has the right to frame regulations and issue circular in
matters within his jurisdiction and in conformity with the decisions of the Council of
Ministers. However, the content of all such regulations must not violate the letter or the
spirit of the law. The government can entrust any portion of its task to the commissions
composed of some ministers. The decisions of such commissions within the rules will be
binding after the endorsement of the President.
The ratification and the regulations of the government and the decisions of the
commissions mentioned under this Article shall also be brought to the notice of the
Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly while being communicated for
implementation so that in the event he finds them contrary to law, he may send the same
stating the reason for reconsideration by the Council of Ministers.
Article 139
The settlement, of claims relating to public and state property or the referral thereof to
arbitration is in every case dependent on the approval of the Council of Ministers, and the
Assembly must be informed of these matters. In cases where one party to the dispute is a
foreigner, as well as in important cases that are purely domestic, the approval of the
Assembly must also be obtained. Law will specify the important cases intended here.
Article 140
Allegations of common crimes against the President, his deputies, and the ministers will
be investigated in common courts of justice with the’ knowledge of the Islamic
Consultative Assembly.
Article 141
The President, the deputies to the President, ministers, and government employees cannot
hold more than one government position, and it is forbidden for them to hold any kind of
additional post in institutions of which all or a part of the capital belongs to the
government or public institutions, to be a member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly,
to practice the profession of attorney or legal adviser, or to hold the post of president,
managing director, or membership of the board of directors of any kind of private
company, with the exception of cooperative companies affiliated to the government
departments and institutions. Teaching positions in universities and research institutions
are exempted from this rule.
Article 142
The assets of the Leader, the President, the deputies to the President, and ministers, as
well as those of their spouses and offspring, are to be examined before and after their
term of office by the head of the judicial power, in order to ensure they have not
increased in a fashion contrary to law.
SECTION THREE
The Army and the
Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps
Article 143
The Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for guarding the independence
and territorial integrity of the country, as well as the order of the Islamic Republic.
Article 144
The Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran must be an Islamic Army, i.e., committed to
Islamic ideology and the people, and must recruit into its service individuals who have
faith in the objectives of the Islamic Revolution and are devoted to the cause of realizing
its goals.
Article 145
No foreigner will be accepted into the Army or security forces of the country.
Article 146
The establishment of any kind of foreign military base in Iran, even for peaceful
purposes, is forbidden.
Article 147
In time of peace, the government must utilize the personnel and technical equipment of
the Army in relief operations, and for educational and productive ends, and the
Construction Jihad, while fully observing the criteria of Islamic justice and ensuring that
such utilization does not harm the combat-readiness of the Army.
Article 148
All forms of personal use of military vehicles, equipment, and other means, as well as
taking advantage of Army personnel as personal servants and chauffeurs or in similar
capacities, are forbidden.
Article 149
Promotions in military rank and their withdrawal take place in accordance with the law.
Article 150
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, organized in the early days of the triumph of the
Revolution, is to be maintained so that it may continue in its role of guarding the
Revolution and its achievements. The scope of the duties of this Corps, and its areas of
responsibility, in relation to the duties and areas of responsibility of the other armed
forces, are to be determined by law, with emphasis on brotherly cooperation and harmony
among them.
Article 151
In accordance with the noble Qur’anic verse:
“(Prepare against them whatever force you are able to muster, and horses ready for battle,
striking fear into God’s enemy and your enemy, and others beyond them unknown to you
but known to God… [8:60])”
the government is obliged to provide a program of military training, with all requisite
facilities, fob all its citizens, in accordance with the Islamic criteria, in such a way that all
citizens will always be able to engage in the armed defence of the Islamic Republic of
Iran. The possession of arms, however, requires the granting of permission by the
competent authorities.
CHAPTER X
Foreign Policy
Article 152
The foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based upon the rejection of all forms
of domination, both the exertion of it and submission to it, the preservation of the
independence of the country in all respects and its territorial integrity, the defence of the
rights of all Muslims, non-alignment with respect to the hegemonist superpowers, and the
maintenance of mutually peaceful relations with all non-belligerent States.
Article 153
Any form of agreement resulting in foreign control over the natural resources, economy,
army, or culture of the country, as well as other aspects of the national life, is forbidden.
Article 154
The Islamic Republic of Iran has as its ideal human felicity throughout human society,
and considers the attainment of independence, freedom, and rule of justice and truth to be
the right of all people of the world. Accordingly, while scrupulously refraining from all
forms of interference in the internal affairs of other nations, it supports the just struggles
of the mustad’afun against the mustakbirun in every corner of the globe.
Article 155
The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran may grant political asylum to those who
seek it unless they are regarded as traitors and saboteurs according to the laws of Iran.
CHAPTER XI
The Judiciary
Article 156
The judiciary is an independent power, the protector of the rights of the individual and
society, responsible for the implementation of justice, and entrusted with the following
duties:
1. investigating and passing judgment on grievances, violations of rights,
and complaints; the resolving of litigation; the settling of disputes; and the
taking of all necessary decisions and measures in probate matters as the
law may determine;
2. restoring public rights and promoting justice and legitimate freedoms;
3. supervising the proper enforcement of laws;
4. uncovering crimes; prosecuting, punishing, and chastising criminals;
and enacting the penalties and provisions of the Islamic penal code;
5. taking suitable measures to prevent the occurrence of crime and to
reform criminals.
Article 157
In order to fulfill the responsibilities of the judiciary power in all the matters concerning
judiciary, administrative and executive areas, the Leader shall appoint a just Mujtahid
well versed in judiciary affairs and possessing prudence. and administrative abilities as
the head of the judiciary power for a period of five years who shall be the highest judicial
authority.
Article 158
The head of the judiciary branch is responsible for the following:
1. Establishment of the organizational structure necessary for the
administration of justice commensurate with the responsibilities
mentioned under Article 156.
2. Drafting judiciary bills appropriate for the Islamic Republic.
3. Employment of just and worthy judges, their dismissal, appointment,
transfer, assignment to particular duties, promotions, and carrying out
similar administrative duties, in accordance with the law.
Article 159
The courts of justice are the official bodies to which all grievances and complaints are to
be referred. The formation of courts and their jurisdiction is to be determined by law.
Article 160
The Minister of Justice owes responsibility in all matters concerning the relationship
between the judiciary, on the one hand, and the executive and legislative branches, on the
other hand. He will be elected from among the individuals proposed to the President by
the head of the judiciary branch. The head of the judiciary may delegate full authority to
the Minister of Justice in financial and administrative areas and for employment of
personnel other than judges in which case the Minister of Justice shall have the same
authority and responsibility as those possessed by the other ministers in their capacity as
the highest ranking government executives.
Article 161
The Supreme Court is to be formed for the purpose of supervising the correct
implementation of the laws by the courts, ensuring uniformity of judicial procedure, and
fulfilling any other responsibilities assigned to it by law, on the basis of regulations to be
established by the head of the judicial branch.
Article 162
The chief of the Supreme Court and the Prosecutor-General must both be just mujtahids
well versed in judicial matters. They will be nominated by the head of the judiciary
branch for a period of five years, in consultation with the judges of the Supreme Court.
Article 163
The conditions and qualifications to be fulfilled by a judge will be determined by law, in
accordance with the criteria of fiqh.
Article 164
A judge cannot be removed, whether temporarily or permanently, from the post he
occupies except by trial and proof of his guilt, or in consequence of a violation entailing
his dismissal. A judge cannot be transferred or redesignated without his consent, except
in cases when the interest of society necessitates it, that too, with the decision of the head
of the judiciary branch after consultation with the chief of the Supreme
Court and the Prosecutor General. The periodic transfer and rotation of judges will be in
accordance with general regulations to be laid down by law.
Article 165
Trials are to be held openly and members of the public may attend without any
restriction; unless the court determines that an open trial would be detrimental to public
morality or discipline, or if in case of private disputes, both the parties request not to hold
open hearing.
Article 166
The verdicts of courts must be well reasoned out and documented with reference to the
articles and principles of the law in accordance with which they are delivered.
Article 167
The judge is bound to endeavor to judge each case on the basis of the codified law. In
case of the absence of any such law, he has to deliver his judgment on the basis of
authoritative Islamic sources and authentic fatwa. He, on the pretext of the silence of or
deficiency of law in the matter, or its brevity or contradictory nature, cannot refrain from
admitting and examining cases and delivering his judgment.
Article 168
Political and press offenses will be tried openly and in the presence of a jury, in courts of
justice. The manner of the selection of the jury, its powers, and the definition of political
offenses, will be determined by law in accordance with the Islamic criteria.
Article 169
No act or omission may be regarded as a crime with retrospective effect on the basis of a
law framed subsequently.
Article 170
Judges of courts are obliged to refrain from executing statutes and regulations of the
government that are in conflict with the laws or the norms of Islam, or lie outside the
competence of, the executive power. Everyone has the right to demand the annulment of
any such regulation from the Court of Administrative Justice.
Article 171
Whenever an individual suffers moral or material loss as the result of a default or error of
the judge with respect to the subject matter of a case or the verdict delivered, or the
application of a rule in a particular case, the defaulting judge must stand surety for the
reparation of that loss in accordance with the Islamic criteria, if it be a case of default.
Otherwise, losses will be compensated for by the State. In all such cases, the repute and
good standing of the accused will be restored.
Article 172
Military courts will be established by law to investigate crimes committed in connection
with military or security duties by members of the Army, the Gendarmerie, the police,
and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. They will be tried in public courts, however,
for common crimes or crimes committed while serving the department of justice in
executive capacity. The office of military prosecutor and the military courts form part of
the judiciary and are subject to the same principles that regulate the judiciary.
Article 173
In order to investigate the complaints, grievances, and objections of the people with
respect to government officials, organs, and statutes, a court will be established to be
known as the Court of Administrative Justice under the supervision of the head of the
judiciary branch. The jurisdiction, powers, and mode of operation of this court will be
laid down by law.
Article 174
In accordance with the right of the judiciary to supervise the proper conducting of affairs
and the correct implementation of laws by the administrative organs of the government,
an organization I will be constituted under the supervision of the head of the judiciary
branch to be known as the National General Inspectorate. The powers and duties of this
organization will be determined by law.
CHAPTER XII
Radio and Television
Article 175
The freedom of expression and dissemination of thoughts in the Radio and Television of
the Islamic Republic of Iran must be guaranteed in keeping with the Islamic’ criteria and
the best interests of the country. The appointment and dismissal of the head of the Radio
and Television of the Islamic Republic of Iran rests with the Leader. A council consisting
of two representatives each of the President, the head of the judiciary branch and the
Islamic Consultative Assembly shall supervise the functioning of this organization.
CHAPTER XIII
Supreme Council for National Security
Article 176
In order to safeguarding the national interests and preserving the Islamic Revolution, the
territorial integrity and national sovereignty, a Supreme Council for National Security
presided over by the President shall be constituted to fulfill the following responsibilities:
1. Determining the defence and national security policies within the
framework of general policies determined by the Leader.
2. Coordination of activities in the areas relating to politics, intelligence,
social, cultural and economic fields in regard to general defence and
security policies.
3. Exploitation of materialistic and intellectual resources of the country for
facing the internal and external threats.
The Council shall consist of: heads of three branches of the government, chief of the
Supreme Command Council of the Armed Forces, the officer in charge of the planning
and budget affairs, two representatives nominated by the Leader, ministers of foreign
affairs, interior, and information, a minister related with the subject, and the highest
ranking officials from the Armed Forces and the Islamic Revolution’s Guards Corps.
Commensurate with its duties, the Supreme Council for National Security shall form subcouncils
such as Defence Sub-council and National Security Sub-council. Each Subcouncil
will be presided over by the President or a member of the Supreme Council for
National Security appointed by the President. The scope of authority and responsibility of
the Sub-councils will be determined by law and their organizational structure will be
approved by the Supreme Council for National Defence. The decisions of the Supreme
Council for National Security shall be effective after the confirmation by the Leader.
CHAPTER XIV
Revision of the Constitution
Article 177
Revision of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, whenever needed by the
circumstances, will be done in the following manner:
The Leader issues an edict to the President after consultation with the Nation’s Exigency
Council stipulating the amendments or additions to be made by the Council for Revision
of the Constitution which consists of:
1. Members of the Guardian Council.
2. Heads of the three branches of the government.
3. Permanent members of the Nation’s Exigency Council.
4. Five members from among the Assembly of Experts.
5. Ten representatives selected by the Leader.
6. Three representatives from the Council of Ministers.
7. Three representatives from the judiciary branch.
8. Ten representatives from among the members of the Islamic
Consultative Assembly.
9. Three representatives from among the university professors.
The method of working, manner of selection and the terms and conditions of the Council
shall be determined by law. The decisions of the Council, after the confirmation and
signatures of the Leader, shall be valid if approved by an absolute majority vote in a
national referendum. The provisions of Article 59 of the Constitution shall not apply to
the referendum for the, “Revision of the Constitution.” The contents of the Articles of the
Constitution related to the Islamic character of the political system; the basis of all the
rules and regulations according to Islamic criteria; the religious footing; the objectives of
the Islamic Republic of Iran; the democratic character of the government; the wilayat al-
‘mr the Imamate of Ummah; and the administration of the affairs of the country based on
national referenda, official religion of Iran [Islam] and the school [Twelver Ja'fari] are
unalterable.
