Delicate but pivotal: Iran's factional politics explained

Struggles intensify as elections loom in February. But succession to Ayatollah Khamenei as leader appears to be at the centre of the in-fighting, says Gareth Smyth

Iranian politics is entering a delicate and perhaps pivotal period. Factional struggles, always lively, have intensified since July's nuclear agreement with world powers, while the reformists are also pushing gently to return to mainstream politics.

The economy has slipped, perhaps back into recession, as Iran waits for financial and energy sanctions to ease early in 2016. While growth should resume next year, this is an awkward time for the government of Hassan Rouhani as elections loom in February for both parliament and majles-e khobregan (Assembly of Experts), the directly elected body of clerics that chooses the supreme leader.

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