Ministry of Intelligence

The Ministry of Intelligence (Vezarat-e Ettelaat, VAJA / formerly MOIS) is Iran's primary civilian intelligence service, established in 1983 from several post-revolution intelligence bodies. The Minister of Intelligence must be a qualified Islamic jurist (mojtahed). The Supreme Leader has historically exercised direct influence over this appointment. Ministers: Mohammad Reyshahri (1984–1989), Ali Fallahian (1989–1997), Qorbanali Dorri-Najafabadi (1997–1999), Ali Younessi (1999–2005), Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei (2005–2009), Heydar Moslehi (2009–2013), Mahmoud Alavi (2013–2021), Esmaeil Khatib (2021–present).