A Political Death Sentence In Khamenei's Iran

As Iranian President Hassan Rouhani begins a second term on August 5, he faces enormous political, structural and revolutionary headwinds. During his first term, Rouhani's governing mantra of prudence and hope proved more rhetorical than real for in the end, Tehran's crowded power arena hinders rather than facilitates real change. Three key challenges will confront the diplomat- sheikh as he sets out to make good on his campaign promises: a supreme leader who has historically neutralized the plans of presidents and prime ministers in their second terms; an energized conservative mullocracy; and an increasingly assertive Washington doubling down on Tehran's excesses.