Which authority has final say on religious legitimacy in Iran's political system?

• A. Leader alone
• B. Guardian Council alone
• C. President and Parliament
• D. Leader and Guardian Council

Answer: (D)

In Iran, religious legitimacy rests with the highest religious-political authority and the body that enforces Islamic law within the constitution. The Supreme Leader is the ultimate interpreter of Islam and the regime’s authority, guiding major decisions and representing the regime’s theological legitimacy. The Guardian Council acts as the gatekeeper of that legitimacy in the legislative process: it reviews all laws and election candidates to ensure they conform to Islamic law and the constitution, and it can block legislation or candidate eligibility on religious grounds. Because the Leader appoints half of the Guardian Council and because the Leader holds ultimate religious authority, both together have the final say on what counts as legitimate within the regime. The President and Parliament operate within this framework and do not have the final say on religious legitimacy themselves.