Ahmadinejad Appointed To Key Political Body

Exiting President Mahmud Ahmadinejad (left) handed the official endorsement document to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (second from right) on August 3 as President-elect Hassan Rowhani (right)) looked on.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has appointed Mahmud Ahmadinejad to the country's top political arbitration body.

In announcing the appointment on August 5, Khamenei praised Ahmadinejad's "worthy efforts" as president.

In a statement posted on his website, Khamenei said that "considering the profuse experience you gained during eight years of worthy efforts, I appoint you as a member of the Expediency Council."

The Expediency Council is headed by former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a fierce critic of Ahmadinejad.

The body -- which mediates between parliament and the Guardians Council, Iran's top legislative body -- is dominated by conservatives and acts as an advisory body for Khamenei, who has final say on all key state affairs.

Ahmadinejad officially left office on August 3, when newly elected President Hassan Rohani received confirmation from Khamenei.

Based on reporting by AFP and RFE/RL