How is Iran organized administratively, and what is the role of provincial governors?

• A. Provinces are autonomous with elected ostan-dars and full local autonomy.
• B. The central government directly administers all provinces with no local appointments.
• C. Provinces operate under a federal system with independent governors.
• D. Ostan-dars oversee provinces, appointed by central authorities, with local councils limited by central control.

Answer: (D)

In Iran, provinces are administrative units under a centralized, unitary system. Each province is headed by a governor-general (ostan-dar) who oversees the provincial administration and implements central government policies, coordinates security, and manages provincial services. These governors are appointed by central authorities (the interior ministry with cabinet approval, under the overarching authority of the central state). Local councils exist and are elected, but their authority is limited and subject to central oversight and supervision by the governor and other central institutions. This arrangement reflects a centralized system rather than autonomy or federalism.