Iran’s president is responsible for the country’s foreign and domestic economic policies, and manages daily political affairs with his departmental ministers. He does not, however, establish the guidelines of Iran’s domestic and foreign policies, nor does he have command over the security services and armed forces. These powers remain in the hands of the Supreme Leader, who is appointed for life by an Assembly of Experts. Nevertheless, many policymakers in Washington still believe that Iran’s 10th presidential elections might affect their response to US overtures.
