How does the Assembly of Experts select Iran's supreme leader?

The Assembly of Experts is a deliberative body of Islamic jurists responsible for selecting the supreme leader of Iran when the position becomes vacant.12

The selection process is based on the following criteria and procedures:

• Candidate Qualifications: The Assembly evaluates candidates from among qualified Shiʿi clergy based on their personal piety, expertise in Islamic law, and political acumen. Candidates must be judged just, pious, and capable of projecting both political and spiritual leadership.314
• Election of the Assembly: Members of the Assembly are directly elected by the public every eight years. However, all applicants must be approved by the Council of Guardians.1
• Institutional Influence: Because the supreme leader appoints half of the jurists to the Council of Guardians, he exerts indirect influence over the vetting process, which can lead to the disqualification of candidates critical of his vision. Consequently, the Assembly’s composition is often viewed as being stacked in favor of the incumbent, making it highly unlikely for the body to challenge or remove the leader.14

The Assembly also holds the constitutional authority to remove the supreme leader if he is deemed unable to execute his duties or is no longer considered just or pious.134