Assembly of Experts

The Assembly of Experts (Majles-e Khobregan-e Rahbari) is an 88-member body of Islamic scholars directly elected to eight-year terms by popular vote, with all candidates vetted by the Guardian Council. It holds the sole constitutional authority to appoint, supervise, and if necessary dismiss the Supreme Leader. Sessions are held at least twice per year and all records are confidential. It has convened twice to appoint a Supreme Leader: in June 1989 choosing Ali Khamenei after Ruhollah Khomeini's death, and on 8 March 2026 choosing Mojtaba Khamenei. Ahmad Jannati served as its chairman from 2016 to 2024.