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.

Subscribe now to our Premium Plan for an ad-free and unlimited reading experience!
   

Next In World

North Korea's Kim Yo Jong promises more spy satellite launches -KCNA
Brazil's Lula cuts losses after setbacks on environment and Indigenous front
Brazil's top court sentences ex-President Collor to prison for corruption
U.S. stocks close lower as debt ceiling vote looms
U.S. dollar gains on strong U.S. job openings data, weaker German inflation
Oil prices extend losses on concerns over demand
Eastern Canada struggles to bring wildfires under control
U.S. agricultural futures close mixed
Regional force tackling east Congo violence extended to September
Boeing expands in Poland with new parts distribution site

Others Also Read