ولایت فقیه

Under velâyat-e faqih, the Supreme Leader (vali-ye faqih) holds final authority over: the armed forces (commander-in-chief), the judiciary (appoints the head), state media (appoints the head of IRIB), the Guardian Council (appoints six of twelve members, who vet every election candidate), and large foundations including Setâd-EIKO and Bonyâd-e Mostaz'afân. The president is elected, but only from candidates the Guardian Council approves. The parliament is elected, but only from candidates the Guardian Council approves. The Assembly of Experts elects the Supreme Leader, but only from clerics the Guardian Council has approved. The loop is closed by design.