Since 1979, key positions in Iran’s have been held by clergy members, such as the Supreme Leader, President, Prime Minister (before constitutional amendment), and Head of Judiciary. Nevertheless, their influence has been declining recently. After the revolution, Ulama were trusted as authorities so that they could come to power through that. However, after four decades of Islamic rule, public trust in them has eroded.
The decline in clerical influence became clear during mass protests following Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022. They removed the turban from the clergy members, which meant deeply rooted mistrust between them. It was demonstrated further through recent elections when Mustafapour Mohammadi was rejected by voters who came out to vote for the rejected ballots even though he was the sole cleric running for the presidency. His popularity did not increase due to his engagement with the security apparatus and involvement in the “death” commission” of the 1980s.
These protests marked a turning point in Iranian history for this year. This created the cleric’s life because people were shouting “g slogans like “C” er, “men will g,” and “Pagdi Grao,” which many Iranians joined in, making those religious people feel unsafe on the streets. Such discontent that had been plaguing has reached a boiling point, with people blaming clerics for all their economic and political problems in Iran. Furthermore, the impact on religious institutions is evident, with nearly half of the mosques—approximately fifty thousand out of seventy-five thousand—reported to remain closed today. Enrollments into religious schools have also nosedived due to skyrocketing costs, despite government support to financially prop up such institutions.
Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) have filled this vacuum amidst the diminishing influence of Ulama, whereas Iran needs more powerful political parties. This move towards militarization and securitization of politics and governance roles in Iran startAhmadinejad’smoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency period. In the last parliamentary session, at least twenty-six members of the Revolutionary Guard held military ranks. The current parliament has about thirty deputies with IRGC backgrounds. From this, it is apparent that Iran’s executive branch has individuals such as Interior Minister Ahmad Wahidi, previously from IRGC. Additionally, the majority of provincial governors originate from IRGC.
The absence of strong political parties in Iran has made the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) the country’s most integrated and influential organization, given its economic and security muscle. Its loyalty to the Supreme Leader is sometimes more significant for clerics. As a result of Iran’s increased security crises and regional interventions over the past two decades, no other institution. Including Ulama, one can compare their role in Iranian nation-building projects by any measure.
Even though their number reduced in high government positions, clergy members still have a lot of influence. Religious figures appointed by supreme leaders still occupy key positions within governments and militaries across all key institutions. In addition, Friday prayer leaders and Raisi’ssques remind Iranians of the Ulama rule.
Raisi’s sudden death leaves a gap for which a new president will be responsible. Among these tasks will be reinvigorating the nuclear deal while removing global sanctions that conservatives have consistently opposed. For example, Dr Sanam Vakil from Chatham House argues that delivering his moderate agenda through. An Iranian system dominated by conservatives will be difficult, particularly regarding the economy. Achieving sanctions relief and real progress will likely require engaging in dialogue with America at some point, although such talks will be time-consuming.
To summarize, the fall of clerical power in Iran is a turning point in its politics. The IRGC has filled the gap left by the Ulama and has become the most influential power. However, some are still significant, such as when they represent the Supreme Leader. The IRGC powerhouse’s use presents difficulties for any new leader striving for change. Therefore, for any president who comes after President Rouhani. How these interplays between mullahs and Revolutionary Iran will determine what awaits Iran’s political landscape.
