Today, due to ongoing protests and calls for regime change, the world's attention is focused on Iran. Currently, hundreds of people are reported to have been killed, and thousands arrested. Azerbaijan is closely monitoring these developments, as more than half of this country's population are Azerbaijanis.
The role of ethnic Azerbaijanis in the state administration of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been a subject of discussion for many years, both within the country and in the region. Although official Tehran does not provide open statistics on ethnic identity, existing facts indicate that there are a significant number of individuals of Azerbaijani origin in the country's highest political, religious, and administrative structures.
A study conducted by Modern.az reveals the representation of figures of Azerbaijani origin at various levels of the Iranian government.
Supreme Leader and President: notable points
Masoud Pezeshkian, the current president of Iran, was born on September 29, 1954, in Mahabad, West Azerbaijan province. The issue of the president being ethnically Azerbaijani is not disputed. Pezeshkian himself has repeatedly stated in public speeches that he is Azerbaijani, and this fact has also been reported in Iranian media.
Similar discussions are held regarding the country's main political-religious figure, Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Khamenei's repeated speeches in Azerbaijani, as well as his origin from Khameneh, East Azerbaijan, strengthen claims about his ethnic background. Although this issue is not officially emphasized, it is widely stated that Khamenei has Azerbaijani roots.
Azerbaijanis in Parliament
Several influential politicians known for their Azerbaijani identity serve in the Iranian parliament.
One of them is Ahmad Alireza Beigi. He is a deputy from the constituency of Tabriz, Azarshahr, and Osku. He is among the political figures from South Azerbaijan who are openly recognized as Azerbaijani. This fact is accepted in both Iranian media and the official biographical information of the parliament.
Ruhollah Motafakker-Azad is also among the deputies from South Azerbaijan known for their Azerbaijani identity in the Iranian parliament.
One of the Azerbaijani figures holding a high post in the Iranian parliament is Ali Nikzad. He currently serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, meaning the main deputy and vice-speaker of the parliament. This position is considered one of the highest posts in the leadership of the legislative p.
In the Executive Branch: Head of East Azerbaijan
East Azerbaijan province, considered one of Iran's strategic regions, is currently led by Bahram Sarmast. He was appointed to this position in the autumn of 2024. The fact that the governor is Azerbaijani is considered a notable point in terms of the region's ethnic composition.
National Security and Diplomacy
One of the notable points is the presence of Azerbaijani personnel in the fields of security and foreign policy.
Vahid Jalalzadeh currently holds the position of Deputy Minister in the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was born in Urmia and previously served as a member of the Iranian parliament and governor of West Azerbaijan province.
Ministers
Minister of Economy and Finance Abdul Nasser Hemmati
Abdolnaser Hemmati is one of the figures who has played an important role in Iran's economic management for many years. He was born in Kabudarahang, Hamadan province. Hemmati is known as a professional economist and has held high positions in the banking sector and government at various times.
He currently serves as the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran. Prior to this, he worked as the Minister of Economy and Finance. The management of Iran's economy, which is under sanctions, falls precisely on him, indicating the strategic importance of the position.
Minister of Agriculture - Gholamreza Nouri
Gholamreza Nouri has held the position of Iran's Minister of Agriculture since 2024. This ministry holds strategic importance for a country like Iran with significant agricultural potential. Nouri previously served as a member of parliament and a regional deputy.
Minister of Defense - Amir Aziz Nasirzadeh
Individuals of Azerbaijani origin have also risen to high positions in Iran's power structures. One of them is Amir Aziz Nasirzadeh. He was born in Sarab, East Azerbaijan.
Nasirzadeh has had a long career as a professional military officer. He served in leadership positions in the Iranian Air Force and other military structures in various years. Since 2024, he has held the post of Iran's Minister of Defense, Armed Forces Support, and Logistics.
This position plays a decisive role in Iran's regional security strategy.
