iran unfiltered

If "moderate conservatives" like Ali-Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani want to tweak the current system even a little in order to improve its stability, they will almost definitely have to do so without the support of Leader Ali Khamenei.  Khamenei's statements consistently demonstrate the belief that any compromise or change is a sign of weakness and will lead to further trouble; the latest example of this view is his speech to the Assembly of Experts at its recent gathering.  Responding indirectly to the plan put forth by a committee of the Expediency Council (led by Rafsanjani) to take powers away from the Guardian Council, he said:

There is no doubt that the Guardian Council has legal responsibilities.  These responsibilities stipulated in the constitution - which are overseeing elections and determining qualification [of candidates] and the like - must not be attacked.

Translation to would-be reformers: we are happy with our current system of controlling elections - don't try to mess with it.