Who rules Iran

Who rules the Islamic Republic of Iran? And who is the "Reformist"? And who is the "Conservative"? And what do these terms really mean in Iranian society and Iranian politics? These questions have mainly been raised since the victory of the reformist candidate Mohammad Khatami in the Iranian presidential elections held in May 1997. Although the successive electoral victories achieved by Khatami and his political allies have strengthened expectations of the success of the reform movement in Iran, controlling the position of president and parliament may not be enough in a political system that includes multiple overlapping centers of power. This book analyzes the official and unofficial structures of authority in the Islamic Republic of Iran, evaluates both the future of the reform movement and the possibilities of a peaceful change in Iran, and provides a unique and detailed understanding of the complex structures of the Iranian political system and how they operate. Undoubtedly, the book relies on field research conducted by the author during his stays and visits to Iran over the last decade of the 20th century, as well as on insights derived from numerous interviews and discussions with political and intellectual elites inside and outside the system, which give the book particular importance. It is not an exaggeration to say that this book is a fundamental guide and an important reference for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of politics and power within Iran today.