Islamic
Republic of Iran
The
Supreme National Security Council
(Source:
Farhang
va Andisheh Institute, A. Farahani, 1997)
The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC)
is an institution founded in the course of revision of the Constitution
of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The SNSC has been established with an
aim to watch over the Islamic Revolution and safeguard the IRI's national
interests as well as its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to Article 177 of the Constitution,
the responsibilities of the SNSC are as follows:
-
To determine the national defense/security
policies within the framework of general policies laid down by the Leader.
-
To coordinate political, intelligence, social,
cultural and economic activities in relation to general defense/security
policies.
-
To exploit material and non-material resources
of the country for facing internal and external threats.
Commensurate with its responsibilities, the
Supreme National Security Council has established sub-committees such as
defense subcommittee and national security sub-committee. The sub-committees
are headed by the President or one of the members of the SNSC appointed
by the President.
Limits of authorities and functions of
the sub-committees are laid down by law, and their organizational structure
are approved by the SNSC. Approvals of the SNSC shall be enforceable after
ratification of the Leader.
The members of the SNSC consists of:
-
Heads of the three Powers (Executive, Legislative
and Judiciary)
-
Chief of the Supreme Command Council of the
Armed Forces (SCCAF)
-
The official in charge of the Plan an Budget
Organization (PBO)
-
Two representatives nominated by the Leader
-
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of the
Interior, and Minister of Information (Intelligence)
-
A minister concerned with the subject, and
the highest authorities of the Army and the Islamic Revolution's Guards
Corps (IRGC).
