Iranian Guards Council says Ahmadinejad's desire for personal control over energy sector is illegal

The Iranian Guards Council called Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's temporary supervision of the Petroleum Ministry illegal, Trend reports.

Ahmadinejad dismissed Petroleum Minister Seyed Massoud Mirkazemi and two other ministers at the end of last week.

He said that it is part of a five-year program for development that started this year and reduction of the ministries from 21 to 17.

The Cabinet merged 8 ministries to form 4, including the Ministry of Petroleum and the Ministry of Energy. Ahmadinejad said on May 16 that he will temporarily head the new Petroleum Ministry.

According to article 141 of the Iranian Constitution, one supervisor cannot take up two positions.