How are treaties and international agreements treated in Iran's legal system?

• A. Treaties require the Leader's consent and Guardian Council verification; may require parliamentary approval depending on the agreement
• B. Treaties are approved by the president alone
• C. Treaties require a public referendum
• D. Treaties have no oversight

Answer: (A)

In Iran, treaties are not binding simply because a president negotiates them. The Leader, who holds ultimate authority over foreign policy, must give consent for a treaty to take effect. After the Leader approves, the Guardian Council reviews the agreement to ensure it aligns with the Constitution and Islamic law. Whether Parliament must ratify or approve the treaty depends on what the agreement requires domestically—if it needs new laws or budgetary changes, Parliament typically participates to authorize those steps. If disputes arise between Parliament and the Guardian Council, the Expediency Discernment Council can resolve them. Public referendums are not the usual route for international treaties.