Supreme National Security Council (Iran)

The council is the central and most influential body in determining policies on national security, intelligence, and foreign relations. Although its role is advisory only, it holds enormous importance, and its authority is second only to that of the supreme leader himself. The president of Iran chairs the council, but its decisions must receive final approval from the supreme leader. The council consists of 22 permanent members, representing the highest levels of Iranian government. Among the members are the President of Iran, his deputy, commanders of the armed forces, heads of the military and Revolutionary Guards, the chairman of the Atomic Energy Committee, senior judges, and key ministers such as the foreign minister, energy minister, finance minister, interior minister, and intelligence minister. Additionally, the supreme leader appoints two additional members, one of whom usually serves as the council's secretary and its official president. This diverse composition provides the council with broad access to information and decision-makers in the defense and regime systems.