Decoding The Majlis: Iran's Pivotal Parliament Unveiled

Yvonne Champlin 22 Jun 2025

The Majlis, or the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, stands as the central legislative body of the Islamic Republic, a crucial institution shaping the nation's laws and policies. Far from a mere formality, understanding the intricacies of the Majlis is essential for anyone seeking to grasp the complex political landscape of Iran. It is a chamber where elected representatives voice the concerns of the populace, yet its powers are intricately balanced and, at times, constrained by other powerful entities within the Iranian governmental structure.

This article delves deep into the heart of the Majlis, exploring its historical roots, structural composition, the dynamic interplay of its powers, and the significant checks and balances that define its role. We will navigate through its evolution from a constitutional monarchy to its current form, shedding light on how this vital institution functions within the unique framework of Iran's political system, and why its decisions resonate across the nation and beyond.

What is the Majlis (Iran)?
A Glimpse into History: The Evolution of Iran's Parliament
Structure and Membership of the Islamic Consultative Assembly
The Speaker of the Majlis: A Key Figure
Powers and Limitations: Understanding the Majlis's Reach
The Guardian Council and its Oversight
Reserved Seats for Religious Minorities
Elections and Public Perception of the Majlis
International Engagement and the Majlis
Challenges and Controversies Facing the Majlis

What is the Majlis (Iran)?

At its core, the term "Majlis" (مجلس) is an Arabic word, pluralized as "majālis" (مجالس), literally meaning 'sitting room.' Historically, it has been used to describe various types of special gatherings among common interest groups, encompassing administrative, social, or religious natures in countries with linguistic or cultural connections to the Muslim world. In Iran, however, "Majlis" specifically refers to the national legislative body, officially known as the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majles Shoraye Eslami / Islamic Parliament of Iran). It is also commonly referred to as the Iranian Parliament or the People's House, signifying its role as the primary forum for national representation and law-making.

The Majlis serves as the voice of the Iranian people, elected directly by them to deliberate on national issues, approve legislation, and oversee the government's actions. Its existence underscores a commitment to a form of representative governance, albeit one operating within the unique framework of the Islamic Republic. This assembly is where the legislative will of the nation is theoretically forged, transforming societal needs and governmental proposals into binding laws that govern the lives of millions.

A Glimpse into History: The Evolution of Iran's Parliament

The journey of the Iranian Parliament is a rich tapestry woven through periods of monarchy, revolution, and republicanism. Iran, one of the world's oldest monarchies, under dynasties like the Achaemenids, was predominantly ruled by shahs for much of its history. The concept of a modern legislative body, however, emerged significantly with the Persian Constitutional Revolution of 1906. This pivotal movement led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy with a multi-party system, a stark departure from absolute rule. The constitution of 1906 was groundbreaking, providing for reserved parliamentary seats granted to recognized religious minorities, a progressive step for its time.

This constitutional phase, though not without its challenges, persisted until 1975 when Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi introduced a one-party state. During this period, the Shah effectively ruled as an absolute monarch, sidelining the parliamentary system until the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The revolution dramatically reshaped Iran's political landscape, leading to the establishment of the Islamic Republic and the re-envisioning of the Majlis under an Islamic framework. Despite the profound political shifts, the principle of a representative legislative body, including the provision for reserved seats for religious minorities, was maintained after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, demonstrating a continuity in certain democratic ideals.

Historically, the Majlis has faced immense pressures. For instance, the third Majlis did not last more than a year, highlighting the fragility of early parliamentary efforts. Faced with the First World War, Majlis representatives declared Iran’s neutrality. Nevertheless, Iran’s neutrality was blatantly transgressed by foreign expeditionary forces, notably when the Czarist Russian army expeditionary force left Qazvin for Tehran, bringing up the question of relocating the capital. These historical events underscore the Majlis's long-standing role at the forefront of national decision-making, even in times of extreme external pressure.

Structure and Membership of the Islamic Consultative Assembly

The contemporary Majlis is a robust legislative body, designed to represent the diverse population of Iran. It currently comprises 290 elected seats, a number that has seen adjustments over time; for instance, there were 272 seats since the 18 February 2000 election. These members are elected by the direct vote of the people for four-year terms, ensuring a regular renewal of public representation. The latest parliamentary session began with members elected on 28 May 2020, reflecting the ongoing democratic process in the country.

The structure of the Majlis is designed to facilitate the legislative process, from the introduction of bills to their final approval. Since the first parliamentary session, the Majlis Shoraye Eslami (Islamic Parliament of Iran) has consistently utilized the consultation of experts on a case-by-case basis for the technical review of bills and proposals. This practice, reflected in the Persian phrase "مجلس شورای اسلامی از نخستين دوره، برای كارشناسی طرح‌ها و لوايح، از مشورت موردی كارشناسان استفاده مي‌كرد," highlights a commitment to informed decision-making and technical scrutiny of proposed legislation. This expert consultation ensures that laws are not only constitutionally sound but also practical and effective in their implementation, drawing upon specialized knowledge across various fields.

Diversity in Representation

A unique aspect of the Majlis's structure is its commitment to minority representation. As previously noted, there are five reserved seats in the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) for the religious minorities. This provision, which originated with the 1906 constitution after the Persian Constitutional Revolution, was notably maintained after the 1979 Iranian Revolution. It ensures that Zoroastrians, Jews, Assyrian and Chaldean Christians, and Armenian Christians (split into two seats for North and South Iran) have direct representation in the legislative body, allowing their voices and concerns to be heard in national policy-making. This institutionalized diversity reflects a complex interplay of historical tradition and modern governance within the Islamic Republic.

The Speaker of the Majlis: A Key Figure

The Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran holds a position of significant authority and influence within the Majlis. This individual presides over parliamentary sessions, guides legislative debates, and represents the Majlis in both domestic and international forums. The Speaker is not merely a ceremonial figure but a key political player, often a prominent national figure with a substantial political base.

The current speaker of parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a notable male political figure, was reelected in May 2025, indicating his continued influence and the trust placed in him by his parliamentary colleagues. His date of birth and the start and end of his term as Speaker are crucial details that track the leadership continuity and political dynamics within the Majlis. The Speaker's ability to manage parliamentary proceedings, build consensus, and navigate complex political issues is vital for the effective functioning of the legislative body. They play a critical role in shaping the agenda, ensuring adherence to parliamentary rules, and facilitating the passage of legislation, making them a central figure in the Majlis's daily operations and strategic direction.

Powers and Limitations: Understanding the Majlis's Reach

The Majlis possesses significant legislative powers, encompassing the representation of Iranian citizens, the confirmation of government members, and imposing limitations on royal power during the constitutional monarchy era. Its primary function today is to propose, debate, and pass legislation. The approval of the Majlis is notably required during the signing of treaties or taking out loans from foreign countries, underscoring its role in safeguarding national sovereignty and economic interests. This legislative authority means that every law, from national budgets to social reforms, must pass through this assembly.

However, the power of the Majlis is not absolute. It is checked at every turn by several other powerful institutions, a design intended to ensure adherence to both constitutional principles and Islamic tenets. These checks include:

The Guardian Council: A Constitutional Gatekeeper

The Guardian Council plays a pivotal role in reviewing all legislation passed by the Majlis to determine its constitutionality and compliance with Islamic canon law. This oversight is profound: if a majority of the council does not find a piece of legislation in compliance with the constitution, or if a majority of the council’s Islamic canon lawyers deem it contrary to Islamic law, the legislation cannot become law. This effectively gives the Guardian Council veto power over the Majlis's legislative output, ensuring that all laws align with the fundamental principles of the Islamic Republic.

The Expediency Council and the Supreme Leader

Further checks come from the Expediency Council, which mediates disputes between the Majlis and the Guardian Council, particularly when the latter rejects legislation. Beyond these, the ultimate authority rests with the Supreme Leader, who holds overarching power and can intervene in state affairs. This multi-layered system of checks and balances means that while the Majlis is the primary legislative body, its power is always exercised within a carefully defined framework, subject to higher constitutional and religious oversight.

Reserved Seats for Religious Minorities

A distinctive and often highlighted feature of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) is the provision for reserved seats for recognized religious minorities. This constitutional guarantee ensures that various non-Muslim communities have direct representation in the nation's legislative process. There are five such reserved seats in the Majlis, allocated to specific religious groups.

This provision dates back to the Persian Constitutional Revolution of 1906, where the constitution explicitly provided for parliamentary seats granted to recognized religious minorities. This progressive stance was a significant step towards inclusive governance at the time. Crucially, this provision was maintained after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, underscoring a continued commitment to minority representation within the new Islamic Republic framework. The allocation typically includes one seat each for Zoroastrians, Jews, and Assyrian and Chaldean Christians, and two seats for Armenian Christians (one for Armenians of the North and one for Armenians of the South). This mechanism allows these communities to voice their unique concerns and perspectives directly within the legislative assembly, influencing laws and policies that affect their daily lives and cultural practices.

Elections and Public Perception of the Majlis

The electoral process for the Majlis is a cornerstone of Iran's political system, with representatives chosen by direct public vote for four-year terms. The nation regularly engages in election cycles to refresh its legislative body. For instance, Iran started a new election cycle to be completed in March 2024, when voters will choose representatives for two key institutions: the Majlis and the Assembly of Experts. This continuous electoral activity is a fundamental aspect of the Islamic Republic's governance.

However, public perception regarding the Majlis's actual influence on the country’s policies is often a subject of debate. Despite being the national legislative body, there's a prevailing sentiment among some segments of the population that the Majlis, along with the Assembly of Experts, has little real influence on the country’s policies. This perception is largely due to the powerful oversight roles of the Guardian Council, the Expediency Council, and ultimately the Supreme Leader, which can effectively check or even override the Majlis's decisions. This dynamic creates a complex relationship between public participation through elections and the ultimate exercise of political power, leading to varying levels of public trust and engagement in the electoral process for the Majlis.

International Engagement and the Majlis

The Majlis is not merely an internal legislative body; it also plays a significant role in Iran's international relations and diplomacy. As the national legislative body, it is involved in the ratification of international treaties and agreements, which are crucial for Iran's foreign policy and economic interactions with other nations. This oversight ensures that international commitments align with national interests and constitutional principles.

Furthermore, the Majlis frequently hosts high-level foreign delegations, serving as a platform for diplomatic exchange. Presidents, prime ministers, speakers, and senior officials of other countries, visiting Iran on invitation of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s officials, often have their presence in the official and open sessions of the parliament suggested on the advice of their counterpart and approval of the steering board. This practice highlights the Majlis's role as a key venue for international dialogue, allowing foreign dignitaries to engage directly with Iranian lawmakers and observe the legislative process firsthand. Such interactions contribute to strengthening bilateral ties, fostering mutual understanding, and projecting Iran's parliamentary diplomacy on the global stage. The Majlis, therefore, acts as a vital conduit for Iran's engagement with the international community, reflecting its commitment to diplomatic relations and parliamentary exchanges.

Challenges and Controversies Facing the Majlis

Like any legislative body, the Majlis is not immune to challenges and controversies, both historical and contemporary. Its history is marked by periods of intense political struggle and external pressures. As noted earlier, the third Majlis did not last more than a year, a testament to the tumultuous political environment of early 20th-century Iran. Its declaration of neutrality during the First World War, which was then blatantly transgressed by foreign expeditionary forces, highlights the Majlis's struggle to assert national sovereignty in the face of overwhelming external power.

In more recent times, the Majlis continues to grapple with significant domestic issues that directly impact the lives of Iranian citizens. One notable instance involved Iran's Majlis rejecting a minister’s explanation about car price hikes. This event underscores the Majlis's role in holding government officials accountable and responding to public grievances regarding economic issues. Such rejections demonstrate the parliament's capacity to challenge executive decisions and advocate for consumer protection, even if its ultimate power is subject to the aforementioned checks and balances. These incidents illustrate the dynamic and often contentious environment in which the Majlis operates, striving to fulfill its mandate as the voice of the people amidst complex political and economic realities.

Conclusion

The Majlis, or the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, is undeniably a cornerstone of the nation's political architecture. From its historical roots in the Persian Constitutional Revolution to its current role within the Islamic Republic, it embodies the principle of popular representation and legislative authority. We've explored its structure, the significant role of its Speaker, and the intricate system of checks and balances, particularly the crucial oversight of the Guardian Council and the ultimate authority of the Supreme Leader, that define its operational scope.

Despite perceptions of limited ultimate influence, the Majlis remains the primary forum where laws are debated, government actions are scrutinized, and the diverse voices of the Iranian people, including its religious minorities, are meant to be heard. Its engagement in both domestic policy-making and international diplomacy underscores its enduring importance. Understanding the Majlis is key to comprehending the nuances of Iranian governance and its evolving relationship with its citizens and the world.

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