Guardian Council

The Guardian Council is a powerful body in Iran responsible for interpreting the constitution, vetting legislation passed by parliament to ensure its compliance with Islamic law and the constitution, and approving candidates for elections. It plays a significant role in shaping Iran's political landscape and ensuring the preservation of its Islamic character. The Guardian Council is newsworthy due to the ongoing protests in Iran, sparked by economic hardship and political restrictions. Recent events include senior clerics, potentially associated with or influenced by the Council, demanding harsh punishments, including the death penalty, for protesters. This highlights the Council's influence on the government's response to the unrest and its commitment to maintaining the current political order. The Council's actions and pronouncements are significant as they reflect the hardline stance of some elements within the Iranian establishment and their determination to suppress dissent.