Iran's 40-year system of religious oversight faces an end

Iran's parliament is preparing to consider an emergency bill that would remove the requirement for the intelligence minister to hold the rank of mujtahid.

According to TodayPress TV, citing Amwaj Media, the discussions are scheduled to take place on Sunday.

If adopted, the proposal would abolish the requirement for the head of the Intelligence Ministry, established in 1983, to hold a senior religious rank.

The killing of Iran's Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib in March brought the need for major changes to the country's security system to the forefront.

According to the report, President Masoud Pezeshkian is considering four candidates for the ministerial post. Former Intelligence Minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi is reportedly among the potential nominees. He is also a cleric.

Thus, the adoption of the bill could bring changes to the 40-year model of religious oversight that has been in place since Iran's intelligence agency was established.

Jala Rovshan