Iran's hardline Guardian Council has barred former President Hassan Rouhani from running in the upcoming March election for the Assembly of Experts. The Assembly of Experts, established in 1982, oversees the supreme leader's appointment and dismissal and wields significant power, though it rarely directly influences policy. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, aged 84, heightening the assembly's importance, as it is expected to have a key role in selecting his successor; members are elected every eight years. Rouhani, a pragmatic figure, won presidential elections in 2013 and 2017 with promises to alleviate Iran's diplomatic isolation. Despite his moderate stance, Rouhani faced opposition from hardliners due to his efforts to improve relations with the United States following the 2015 nuclear agreement.