Moderates could gain influence over choice of next leader in Iran vote


  • World
  • Sunday, 21 Feb 2016

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves to the crowd in the holy city of Qom, 120 km (75 miles) south of Tehran, October 19, 2010. REUTERS/Khamenei.ir

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Iran's Assembly of Experts, made up mostly of elderly clerics, has not mattered much for years. The body's main task is choosing Iran's supreme leader, but that job has not come vacant since 1989.

This time it’s different. Given the ailing health of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 76, the Assembly to be elected on Feb 26 for an eight-year term is likely to pick his successor, charting the course of the country for many years to come.

Unlock 30% Savings on Ad-Free Access Now!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Pakistan shut borders with Iran amid rising Iran-Israel tensions
Turkish, Russian presidents urge diplomacy as Iran-Israel tensions escalate
Thailand suspends June deployment of over 2,000 workers to Israel and Iran
Uganda leader signs law reintroducing military trials of civilians
Suspect in shooting of Minnesota lawmakers to appear in court on murder charges
Ukraine says repatriation of war dead over after 1,245 more bodies received from Russia
Opinion polls show support for Japan PM Ishiba recovering before election
Dark web drug market busted by European and U.S. authorities
Indonesian President Prabowo to make state visit to Russia this week for talks with Putin
UN cuts aid appeal after donors slash budgets

Others Also Read