# How Iran Chooses Its Supreme Leader Explained

> Published on ADIN (https://adin.chat/s/iran-supreme-leader-selection-process-rgpn)
> Type: Diagram
> Date: 2026-03-01
> Description: Explore the step-by-step flowchart detailing Iran's process for selecting a new Supreme Leader after a vacancy.

Mermaid diagram:
flowchart TD
    subgraph TRIGGER["Trigger Event"]
        A["Supreme Leader Dies or Incapacitated"]
    end
    
    subgraph INTERIM["Interim Phase #40;Article 111#41;"]
        B["Temporary Leadership Council Forms"]
        B1["President"]
        B2["Head of Judiciary"]
        B3["Guardian Council Jurist"]
        B --> B1 & B2 & B3
    end
    
    subgraph SELECTION["Selection Process"]
        C["Assembly of Experts Convenes"]
        D["88 Elected Clerics Deliberate"]
        E["Candidates Vetted for Qualifications"]
        E1["Islamic Jurisprudence Expertise"]
        E2["Political & Social Acumen"]
        E3["Administrative Capability"]
        C --> D --> E
        E --> E1 & E2 & E3
    end
    
    subgraph INFLUENCE["Behind-the-Scenes Power Brokers"]
        F1["IRGC Leadership"]
        F2["Guardian Council"]
        F3["Qom Seminary Elders"]
        F4["Political Factions"]
    end
    
    subgraph VOTE["Final Selection"]
        G["Assembly Votes"]
        H["Simple Majority #40;45+ votes#41;"]
        I["New Supreme Leader Announced"]
        G --> H --> I
    end
    
    A --> B
    B --> C
    E --> G
    F1 & F2 & F3 & F4 -.->|"Lobby & Influence"| D
    
    style A fill:#d32f2f,color:#fff
    style I fill:#1976d2,color:#fff
    style B fill:#ff9800,color:#000
    style G fill:#4caf50,color:#fff