Iran’s political system combines elections with strong religious oversight. The most powerful person in the country is the Supreme Leader. He has ultimate authority over the military, the judiciary, and key decision-making bodies, and he plays a major role in shaping overall national policy. Iran’s political system combines elections with strong religious oversight. The most powerful person in the country is the Supreme Leader. He has ultimate authority over the military, the judiciary, and key decision-making bodies, and he plays a major role in shaping overall national policy.