**The role of the Prime Minister in Iran has a rich and complex history, evolving significantly through periods of monarchy, revolution, and the establishment of the Islamic Republic. While the position no longer exists today, its journey from its inception in the early 20th century to its eventual abolition in 1989 offers crucial insights into Iran's political development and the shifting power dynamics within the nation.** Understanding this historical office is key to grasping the trajectory of Iranian governance and the forces that shaped its modern state. This article delves into the fascinating history and evolution of the office of Prime Minister in Iran, tracing its existence from 1907 to 1989. We will explore the key figures who held this powerful position, the political contexts in which they operated, and the reasons behind the eventual removal of the post, ultimately leading to the current governmental structure dominated by the Supreme Leader and the President. *** ## Table of Contents * [The Genesis of the Prime Minister's Office in Iran](#the-genesis-of-the-prime-ministers-office-in-iran) * [The Qajar Dynasty: Laying the Foundations (1907-1923)](#the-qajar-dynasty-laying-the-foundations-1907-1923) * [The Pahlavi Era: Centralization and Shifting Powers (1923-1979)](#the-pahlavi-era-centralization-and-shifting-powers-1923-1979) * [Shapour Bakhtiar: The Last Pahlavi Prime Minister](#shapour-bakhtiar-the-last-pahlavi-prime-minister) * [The Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the Interim Government](#the-iranian-revolution-of-1979-and-the-interim-government) * [Mehdi Bazargan: The First Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic](#mehdi-bazargan-the-first-prime-minister-of-the-islamic-republic) * [The Iran-Iraq War and its Impact on the Premiership](#the-iran-iraq-war-and-its-impact-on-the-premiership) * [The Abolition of the Prime Minister's Office in 1989](#the-abolition-of-the-prime-ministers-office-in-1989) * [Iran's Current Political Structure: Supreme Leader and President](#irans-current-political-structure-supreme-leader-and-president) * [Contemporary Geopolitical Tensions and Iran's Leadership](#contemporary-geopolitical-tensions-and-irans-leadership) *** ## The Genesis of the Prime Minister's Office in Iran The political post of the Prime Minister of Iran was not an ancient institution but a relatively modern one, born out of a period of significant political upheaval and modernization efforts in the early 20th century. Its establishment was a direct consequence of the Iranian Constitutional Revolution of 1906, a pivotal movement that sought to limit the absolute power of the monarch and introduce a more democratic system of governance. It was newly established on May 1, 1907, marking a fundamental shift in Iran's political landscape. Prior to this, the monarch held absolute power, often advised by a Grand Vizier or a similar figure, but without the formal checks and balances that a constitutional monarchy or a parliamentary system would entail. The creation of the Prime Minister's office was a key step towards institutional modernization during the Qajar Dynasty, reflecting a broader global trend towards constitutionalism and parliamentary rule. This new role was intended to head the executive branch, accountable to the newly formed Majlis (parliament), thereby distributing power away from the sole authority of the Shah. ## The Qajar Dynasty: Laying the Foundations (1907-1923) During the final years of the Qajar Dynasty, the office of the Prime Minister began to take shape, albeit amidst considerable instability and foreign interference. The early incumbents of the office faced immense challenges, including internal political rivalries, economic struggles, and the growing influence of imperial powers like Britain and Russia. The period saw a rapid succession of prime ministers, each grappling with the immense task of governing a nation in flux. While the constitutional framework was in place, the practical implementation of a robust parliamentary system was often hampered by the entrenched interests of the old guard, tribal leaders, and the lingering power of the Qajar shahs. The Prime Minister's authority was frequently contested, and their ability to enact meaningful reforms was limited by the political realities of the time. Nevertheless, this period was crucial in establishing the precedent for a distinct executive head separate from the monarch, laying the groundwork for future political developments even as the Qajar dynasty eventually gave way to the Pahlavi era. ## The Pahlavi Era: Centralization and Shifting Powers (1923-1979) With the rise of Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1925, who initially served as Prime Minister before crowning himself Shah, the nature of the premiership began to change. While the office continued to exist, the Pahlavi shahs, particularly Reza Shah and later his son Mohammad Reza Shah, sought to centralize power around the monarchy. This often meant that the Prime Minister served more as an administrator implementing the Shah's policies rather than an independent political force. Throughout the Pahlavi era, the Prime Minister was appointed by the Shah and was responsible for leading the cabinet, managing budget and state employment affairs, and appointing ministers, subject to the Shah's ultimate approval. Despite this, some prime ministers during this period did exert significant influence, particularly during times of crisis or when the Shah's authority was temporarily weakened. For instance, the contentious issue of oil nationalization saw the Prime Minister Haj Ali Razmara, who opposed the oil nationalization, face immense pressure and ultimately assassination, highlighting the high stakes involved in the position. The names, terms, parties, and portraits of all the prime ministers of Iran from this era offer a vivid historical record of these shifting power dynamics. ### Shapour Bakhtiar: The Last Pahlavi Prime Minister As the Pahlavi era drew to a tumultuous close, Shapour Bakhtiar emerged as the last prime minister of this long-standing dynasty. Appointed by Mohammad Reza Shah in January 1979, Bakhtiar was tasked with the unenviable mission of stabilizing a nation on the brink of revolution. He was a prominent opposition figure who had previously opposed the Shah, and his appointment was a desperate attempt to appease the growing revolutionary fervor and bridge the gap between the monarchy and the increasingly powerful religious and secular opposition. However, Bakhtiar's government was short-lived and faced immense challenges. He struggled to gain legitimacy from either the Shah's loyalists or the revolutionary forces led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. His efforts to introduce reforms and prevent the complete collapse of the state were ultimately unsuccessful against the overwhelming tide of the Iranian Revolution. His tenure symbolizes the final, desperate moments of a monarchy that had ruled Iran for decades, underscoring the irreversible nature of the revolutionary movement that swept him from power. ## The Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the Interim Government The Iranian Revolution of 1979 fundamentally reshaped Iran's political landscape, leading to the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic. Following the revolution, the position of Shah was removed as the head of state, effectively ending Iran's history of monarchy. In the immediate aftermath, a provisional government was necessary to manage the transition and establish new institutions. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the spiritual leader of the revolution, played a decisive role in forming this interim administration. This period was marked by intense political maneuvering, the consolidation of revolutionary power, and the drafting of a new constitution that would define the structure of the new Islamic Republic. The role of the Prime Minister during this transitional phase was crucial in laying the groundwork for the post-monarchical state, even as the ultimate power began to consolidate around the new religious leadership. ### Mehdi Bazargan: The First Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic Following the Iranian Revolution of 1979, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini installed Mehdi Bazargan as the prime minister of an interim government. Bazargan, a respected liberal politician and engineer, was tasked with the daunting responsibility of leading the country through its revolutionary transition. His government was formed to manage the immediate affairs of state, including restoring order, reorganizing government institutions, and preparing for a new political system. Bazargan's tenure, however, was fraught with difficulties. His secular and moderate approach often clashed with the more radical elements within the revolutionary movement and the emerging clerical establishment. The interim government served until November 1979, when Bazargan resigned in protest over the Iran hostage crisis and the growing power of the revolutionary factions. His brief period as Prime Minister highlights the complex and often contradictory forces at play during the early years of the Islamic Republic, as different visions for Iran's future vied for dominance. ## The Iran-Iraq War and its Impact on the Premiership The devastating Iran-Iraq War, led by Saddam Hussein, lasted from 1980 to 1988 and is known in Iran as the "Sacred Defense." This protracted conflict had a profound impact on every aspect of Iranian society and politics, including the role of the Prime Minister. During the war years, the government's primary focus shifted to national defense, resource allocation for the war effort, and maintaining internal stability under immense external pressure. The war necessitated a strong, unified leadership, and while the Prime Minister remained the head of the executive branch, the ultimate authority and strategic direction increasingly came from the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khomeini. The exigencies of war often led to a more centralized decision-making process, with the Prime Minister's office coordinating the day-to-day operations of the government in support of the war effort. This period further solidified the religious leadership's paramount position, paving the way for future constitutional changes that would eventually render the Prime Minister's role redundant. ## The Abolition of the Prime Minister's Office in 1989 The political post of the Prime Minister of Iran, which had existed during much of the 20th century, finally came to an end in 1989. This significant constitutional change was part of a broader reform of the Iranian political system following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The 1989 constitutional amendments aimed to streamline the executive branch and consolidate power, primarily by merging the roles of the Prime Minister and the President. He was the last prime minister of Iran prior to the elimination of that position in 1989. This abolition meant that the President would henceforth assume the executive responsibilities previously held by both the President and the Prime Minister, effectively becoming both the head of state and the head of government. This move reflected a desire to create a more efficient and unified executive, reducing potential conflicts of authority that could arise between two distinct executive heads. The end of the Prime Minister's office marked a definitive close to a chapter in Iran's political history, transitioning to the current dual leadership structure of the Supreme Leader and the President. ## Iran's Current Political Structure: Supreme Leader and President With the abolition of the Prime Minister's office in 1989, Iran's political system solidified into its current form, with the Supreme Leader at its apex and the President serving as the head of the executive branch. The Supreme Leader, currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is the ultimate authority in Iran, holding vast powers over all major state policies, including foreign policy, military affairs, and the judiciary. He serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and has the final say on all important matters. Both President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel have raised the possibility of targeting Ayatollah Khamenei, who has led Iran for more than three decades, underscoring his pivotal role on the global stage. The President, on the other hand, is the highest elected official, responsible for implementing the Supreme Leader's policies and managing the day-to-day affairs of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This includes budget and state employment affairs and appointing ministers, subject to parliamentary approval and the Supreme Leader's oversight. The recent death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the country’s foreign minister, hours after their helicopter crashed in fog, has left the Islamic Republic without two key leaders as extraordinary tensions grip the wider Middle East. This event triggered immediate preparations for new presidential elections, highlighting the importance of the presidential role within the established framework, even as the Supreme Leader remains the ultimate arbiter of power. Iranians are going to the polls to elect a new president, following the death in May of the former incumbent, Ebrahim Raisi. However, the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is the person who holds the ultimate authority. ## Contemporary Geopolitical Tensions and Iran's Leadership Iran's current political structure, led by the Supreme Leader, is at the heart of its engagement with regional and international affairs, particularly in the context of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Iran is in a military standoff with Israel, its regional rival, whose Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is seen on a billboard in Tehran this month. These tensions are not new, but they have intensified significantly in recent times. The Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, frequently reacts to air strikes by Israel and US rhetoric, reflecting his central role in shaping Iran's foreign policy and national security posture. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested that targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and overthrowing his government could be a way to end the war that erupted, a sentiment echoed by former US President Donald Trump. Since Israel began its concerted attack on Iran, calls for regime change have grown louder, with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raising the possibility of. Israel's defense minister calls Khamenei, 'the modern day Hitler' by Ruth Marks Eglash Fox News published June 19, 2025, 9:38 am EDT | updated June 19, 2025, 10:44 am EDT, illustrating the intense rhetoric surrounding Iran's top leadership. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also dismissed a Wall Street Journal report that Iran has been urgently signaling that it wants to end hostilities and resume negotiations over its nuclear program. Furthermore, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a bombshell claim that Iran was behind President Trump’s assassination attempts, and Fox News quotes, “these people who chant, ‘death to America,’ tried,” further fueling the narrative of intense animosity. Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al Sudani expressed “sincere condolences and sympathy” to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his government in a gesture of regional solidarity following the recent tragic events. These statements and events underscore the Supreme Leader's irreplaceable position in Iran's political and strategic calculations, far surpassing the historical influence of the former Iran Prime Minister. *** In conclusion, the journey of the Prime Minister's office in Iran from its inception in 1907 to its abolition in 1989 is a microcosm of the nation's tumultuous 20th-century history. It reflects the shifts from constitutional monarchy to a revolutionary Islamic Republic, illustrating the constant struggle between different visions for Iran's governance. While the post of Iran Prime Minister no longer exists, its legacy is crucial for understanding the evolution of power in Tehran. Today, the Supreme Leader and the President hold the reins, navigating complex domestic challenges and intense international pressures. We hope this comprehensive overview has shed light on this significant aspect of Iranian political history. What are your thoughts on the evolution of power in Iran? Share your insights in the comments below, or explore our other articles for more in-depth analyses of global political systems.
