What constrains political integration of ethnic minorities within Iran's political system?

• A. The regime's religious framework constrains political integration.
• B. Complete autonomy for ethnic groups.
• C. Strict secular frameworks.
• D. Liberal majority rule facilitates full integration.

Answer: (A)

Iran's political integration is constrained by the regime's religious framework. In the Islamic Republic, clerical authority shapes who can participate in politics: the Supreme Leader holds ultimate power, and the Guardian Council vets candidates for office, limiting who may run or hold office. This theocratic structure ties political legitimacy to adherence to Islamic law and the authority of the clergy, not to ethnic lineage or secular political norms. Ethnic minorities can engage in politics only within these religiously defined boundaries, so they face limits on leadership roles, policy influence, and broad political autonomy. The system thus prevents full integration of minority groups in the way a secular, liberal, or autonomously governed framework would.