Expediency Discernment Council facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Expediency Discernment Council مجمع تشخیص مصلحت نظام
Type
Type	Advisory council
Leadership
Chairperson	Sadiq Larijani Since 30 December 2018
Secretary	Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr Since 19 September 2021
Spokesperson	Mohsen Dehnavi Since 9 January 2025
Structure
Seats	48
By faction By party
Political groups	By faction      Principlists (36)      Reformists (6)      Vacant (6) By party      SST (9)      IRGC (6)      Independent principlists (6)      Independent reformists (3)      ICP (3)      ISE (3)      CCA (2)      FIRS (1)      SPIR (1)      SDIR (1)      PJPII (1)      RFII (1)      ACC (1)      OIF (1)      ECP (1)      Independents (5)      Vacant (6)

The Expediency Discernment Council of the System (which means "Council for Discerning the Expediency of the System" in Persian) is an important group in Iran. It is made up of members chosen by the country's top leader, known as the Supreme Leader. This council was created in 1988.

Its main job was to help solve disagreements between the Parliament (where laws are made) and the Guardian Council (a group that checks if laws follow religious rules and the constitution). Over time, its role grew. Now, it also gives important advice to the Supreme Leader. It even has powers to oversee other parts of the government.

Members of the council are chosen by the Supreme Leader every five years.

What the Expediency Council Does

The Expediency Council was formed because there were often disagreements about new laws. These disagreements happened between the Parliament and the Guardian Council. The country's leader at the time, Ayatollah Khomeini, created the council to help.

The council's main tasks include:

• Resolving Disputes: It steps in when the Parliament and Guardian Council cannot agree on a law. The council helps find a solution that is best for the country.
• Advising the Supreme Leader: It gives important advice to the Supreme Leader on big decisions. This includes advice on both national and international policies.
• Supervising Government: Since 2005, the council also watches over all parts of the government. This helps make sure everything is working correctly.
• Special Situations: The council plays a role in important situations, like if the Supreme Leader's position becomes vacant. It helps manage the country's leadership temporarily.

The council started with 13 members. These included religious leaders and government officials. Over the years, its membership has grown. The chairperson of the council is chosen by the Supreme Leader every five years. Many members are religious scholars, known as ayatollahs and hojatoleslams.

Current Members of the Council

The Expediency Council has 48 members. These members are either chosen directly by the Supreme Leader or hold their positions because of another important job they have. The current chairperson is Sadiq Larijani. The secretary is Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr.

Appointed Members

Members by Position

Chairpersons of the Council

The chairperson leads the meetings and activities of the Expediency Council. Here are the people who have held this important role:

№	Chairperson		Tenure		Supreme Leader
	Name	Picture	Took office	Left office
1	Ali Khamenei		7 February 1988	4 June 1989	Ruhollah Khomeini
2	Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani		4 October 1989	8 January 2017 (died in office)	Ali Khamenei
—	Ali Movahedi-Kermani (Acting)		1 February 2017	14 August 2017
3	Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi		14 August 2017	24 December 2018 (died in office)
—	Ali Movahedi-Kermani (Acting)		29 December 2018	30 December 2018
4	Sadeq Larijani		30 December 2018	Incumbent

See also

In Spanish: Asamblea de Discernimiento de Conveniencia del Sistema para niños

• Center for Strategic Research