Which statement about the Iranian president is true?

• A. The president is appointed by the Supreme Leader
• B. The president is popularly elected, limited to two four-year terms
• C. The president is always a cleric
• D. The president has no role in foreign policy

Answer: (B)

In Iran, the presidency is an office filled through popular elections and the holder is limited to two four-year terms. This means voters directly choose the president in nationwide elections, and a person can serve at most two terms, ensuring turnover in the executive leadership. While the president leads the government and helps shape policy, ultimate authority rests with the Supreme Leader, and candidates must be vetted by the Guardian Council, a body with ties to the Leader. The president is not necessarily a cleric; many presidents have been non-clerics, and the president does engage in foreign policy, though final say on major foreign policy directions lies with the Supreme Leader and other institutions. Therefore, the statement that the president is popularly elected and limited to two four-year terms is the true description.