Who shapes foreign policy decisions—President or Supreme Leader—and why?

• A. The President shapes most strategic decisions; the Supreme Leader handles diplomacy and implementation under Leader guidance.
• B. The President shapes foreign policy decisions, with the Supreme Leader overseeing.
• C. The Expediency Council dictates foreign policy and execution.
• D. The Supreme Leader shapes most strategic decisions; the President handles diplomacy and implementation under Leader guidance.

Answer: (D)

In Iran, foreign policy is driven by the Supreme Leader, who holds final authority over national security, the armed forces, and overall direction of diplomacy. The President runs the executive branch, handles day-to-day diplomacy, negotiates and implements policies, but only within the framework and limits set by the Leader. Treaties and major strategic moves typically require the Leader’s approval, and he can steer policy through how he appoints and directs key security and political institutions. The Expediency Council mainly resolves disputes between the Parliament and Guardian Council, not shape foreign policy itself. So the best explanation is that the Supreme Leader shapes most strategic decisions, and the President handles diplomacy and implementation under Leader guidance.