A vice president of Iran (Persian: معاون رئیسجمهور ایران) is defined by article 124 of the Constitution of Iran as anyone appointed by the President of Iran to lead an organization related to presidential affairs in Iran. As of August 2019[update], there are twelve vice presidents. The first vice president (Persian: معاون اول رئیسجمهور) leads cabinet meetings in the absence of the president.[1]
The role of the first vice president was created in the revision of the Constitution in 1989. It took over some of the responsibilities of the prime minister. According to Article 124, the first vice president chairs the board of ministers and coordinates the other vice presidencies, if approved by the president.
According to Article 131, when the presidency is vacant or the president is unable to perform his duties, the first vice president assumes the role, subject to the supreme leader's approval. According to the same article, a council consisting of the first vice president (or anyone serving as acting president), the speaker of the Parliament and the head of the judiciary must ensure that a new president is elected within fifty days. According to Article 132, during the time an acting president is serving (usually a first vice president), the Majlis cannot impeach ministers, it cannot disapprove newly introduced ministers, the Constitution may not be reviewed and national referendums may not be held.
Current officeholders are ex officio vice presidents:
Formerly, heads of these two organizations below were ex-officio Vice Presidents:
Both organizations were merged into Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Organization became Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Tourism Organization.
The President may or may not choose vice presidents for specific issues, but their existence is not obligatory. Some of the offices held by vice presidents are:
