In Iran, what is the general lawmaking process involving the presidency, the Majles, the Guardian Council, and the Leader?

• A. Majles proposes laws; President signs; Leader has no role.
• B. President proposes; Majles passes; Guardian Council reviews for compatibility with Islamic law and the constitution; the Leader can influence outcomes via the Guardian Council.
• C. Guardian Council drafts laws; President approves; Majles votes.
• D. Leader directly passes laws; Guardian Council certifies.

Answer: (B)

Lawmaking in Iran follows a sequence where the President can introduce a bill, the Majles debates and passes it, and then the Guardian Council reviews the measure to ensure it conforms to Islamic law and the constitution. The Leader can influence the result because he has significant sway over the Guardian Council, appointing half of its members, which lets him shape which bills the Council approves or blocks. If the Guardian Council finds an issue, it can require changes or veto the bill, sending it back to the Majles (or effectively stopping it) until it fits the religious-constitutional framework. This combination—presidential initiative, legislative passage, and doctrinal-review vetting—explains why the Leader’s influence through the Guardian Council is central to the process.