Khamenei hints at changes in Iran

Iran could do away with the post of a directly-elected president, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said, in what might be a warning to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and possible successors not to overstep the executive’s limited powers.

Mr Khamenei’s comment came with Mr Ahmadinejad battling constant criticism from hardline conservatives accusing him of being in the thrall of “deviant” advisers who want to undermine the role of the Islamic clergy, including the office of supreme leader.

Mr Khamenei dropped the suggestion into a wide-ranging speech yesterday, saying there was “no problem” in eliminating the directly-elected presidency if deemed desirable.

“Presently, the country’s ruling political system is a presidential one in which the president is directly elected by the people, making this a good and effective method,” he said.

“However, if one day, probably in the distant future, it is deemed that the parliamentary system is more appropriate for the election of officials [holding] executive power, there would be no problem in altering the current structure.”