TEHRAN, Iran — Beyond seeking a second term, President Hassan Rouhani is seemingly setting his sights on another key Iranian state institution — the Assembly of Experts. This important clerical body supervises the performance of the supreme leader and is also tasked with one day selecting the successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Many in Iran’s inner political circles are almost certain that Rouhani will run for the Assembly of Experts, although the expectation is that his candidacy will not be officially announced until the registration period for the vote arrives. Starting Dec. 17, it lasts for six days.