The president is the top elected official and second in rank to the supreme leader.
He is responsible for the day-to-day running of the government and has significant influence over domestic policy and foreign affairs.
However, his powers are relatively limited – especially in security matters.
The president’s interior ministry runs the national police force. However, its commander was appointed by the supreme leader and is answerable directly to him.
The same is true of the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps and the Basij.
The president’s powers can also be checked by parliament, which introduces new laws.
In turn, the Guardian Council – which contains close allies of the supreme leader – has the job of approving new laws and can veto them.