Iran Insights

Despite denials, Khamenei drives Iran’s economy

Despite denials, Khamenei drives Iran’s economy

In his Nowruz speech, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei denied involvement in economic decision-making, claiming it falls under the responsibility of the president. In reality, however, his influence over the economy is both profound and far-reaching.

Iran's President Pezeshkian loses role as 'good cop'

Iran's President Pezeshkian loses role as 'good cop'

During his June 2024 election campaign and his first six months in office, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian positioned himself as the "good cop" in the country's familiar good cop/bad cop dynamic between reformists and hardliners.