All candidates for the Majilis must be recommended by recognised political groups and approved by an Islamic screening committee. The Expediency Council mediates between the Majilis and the Council of Guardians. Head of State and Government President Seyyed Mohammed Khatami, elected by universal suffrage for a four-year term in May 1997. The President is limited to holding two consecutive four-year terms, following the amendment to the constitution in 1989. Mohammed Shariatmadari Energy Habibollah Bitaraf Construction Jihad Saiedi Kia M ain political parties Political parties do not currently form the basis of parliamentary activity.
Most candidates are independent, although identifiable as sympathetic to certain factions.
Iran was a major market for sheepmeat and dairy products. There are good prospects for diversifying exports to include technology such as airport and railways communications equipment and services. The last meeting of the JMC was in Wellington in May 2000, where Iran was represented by Minister of Construction Jihad, Saiedi Kia. The Minister of Trade Negotiations, the Hon Philip Burdon, represented New Zealand at the JMC in Tehran in 1996. The Minister for International Trade, Dr the Hon Lockwood Smith, visited Iran in 1999.