Which body elects the Supreme Leader, and what power does it have regarding removal?

• A. The Assembly of Experts elects the Supreme Leader, and cannot remove him.
• B. The Assembly of Experts elects the Supreme Leader, and can theoretically remove him.
• C. The Guardian Council appoints the Supreme Leader.
• D. The People elect the Supreme Leader by referendum.

Answer: (B)

In Iran, the legitimacy of the Supreme Leader rests with a specific body, not direct popular election. The Assembly of Experts, a clerical body elected by the people, is responsible for selecting the Leader and, in principle, removing him if he can no longer fulfill his duties. This means the Leader is not chosen or removed by the Guardian Council or by a national referendum, and the people do not vote for the Leader directly. The removal power exists within the constitutional framework, though no Leader has been removed to date. Therefore, saying the Assembly of Experts elects the Supreme Leader and can theoretically remove him best captures how this position is supposed to work.