Assembly of Experts

88-member clerical body elected by popular vote (from candidates vetted by the Guardian Council) responsible for appointing, supervising, and if necessary removing the Supreme Leader. In practice the Assembly has never exercised its supervisory power against a sitting Supreme Leader. Following Khamenei's death in February 2026, the Assembly convened to select Mojtaba Khamenei as the third Supreme Leader — a selection that consolidated dynastic succession and drew significant criticism.