This appointment on May 21 comes at a critical time for the clerical regime, which faces internal and external challenges. The Assembly of Experts, according to Iran’s constitution, is tasked with overseeing the Supreme Leader’s performance, dismissing him if necessary, and selecting his successor.
Khamenei’s Circle and the Complex Incoherent World of Iran’s Power Strainhttps://t.co/WZ6tJu2TdG
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 5, 2023
The recent death of Ebrahim Raisi, a prominent figure and former head of the Judiciary who represented South Khorasan province in the Assembly of Experts, has further complicated the political landscape. Raisi, seen as a likely candidate to lead the assembly, died in a helicopter crash on May 19. His absence has opened the way for Movahedi Kermani’s appointment.
During the assembly session, Hashem Hosseini Bushehri and Alireza Arafi, heads of the country’s seminaries, were appointed as the first and second deputies of the Assembly of Experts, respectively. The assembly’s permanent board, comprising seven members, including the president, two deputies, two secretaries, and two supervisors, oversees its operations. The assembly has 88 representatives, each serving an eight-year term.
Born in 1931, Movahedi Kermani, now 93, has been a long-standing ally of Khamenei. His extensive political career includes multiple terms in the Assembly of Experts and significant roles in the Iranian parliament, such as leading the Internal Affairs and Defense Commissions and serving as deputy speaker.
He has also been a member of the Expediency Discernment Council and held various influential religious positions, including representing the Supreme Leader in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
#Iran News:
Helicopter Carrying Regime’s President Ebrahim #Raisi Crashes in East Azerbaijan Provincehttps://t.co/FZ5VKz2KsL— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 19, 2024
Kermani’s actions and statements reflect his unwavering support for Khamenei. In January 2021, he backed Khamenei’s ban on COVID-19 vaccines from the U.S. and the UK, expressing distrust in Western intentions. In February 2018, he praised the regime’s security forces for suppressing nationwide protests and has consistently supported crackdowns on dissent and the enforcement of mandatory hijab.
Kermani has also criticized any form of negotiation with the U.S., advocating for a hardline stance against Western influence. His alignment with Khamenei’s policies has made him a key figure in maintaining the current regime’s stability.
🎥🔴تصویری از وحشیگری یکی از وحوش سرکوبگر انتظامی و دستگیری یکی از دختران ایران که همان وحشیگری در حق مهسا امینی را تداعی میکند#انحلال_سپاه_پاسداران #نه_سلطنت_نه_رهبری_دموکراسی_برابری
پنجشنبه، ۱۴ اردیبهشت ۱۴۰۲
🔥@begoonah1 #IRGCterrorists Iran @UNHumanRights Ukraine pic.twitter.com/nIuzco7SVD— kambiz mahmoudpour – انجمن سکولاریسم وآزادی ادیان (@boghche) May 4, 2023
As the new head of the Assembly of Experts, Kermani’s role will be pivotal in shaping Iran’s future leadership. His appointment signals a continuation of Khamenei’s influence and likely preservation of the regime’s current ideological trajectory. The international community will closely watch how this leadership change impacts Iran’s internal dynamics and its relations with the world.
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