The constitution states that Islam is the official state
religion, and the doctrine followed is that of Ja'afari
(Twelver) Shiism. The constitution provides that "other Islamic
denominations are to be accorded full respect," while the
country's pre-Islamic religious groups -- Zoroastrians,
Christians, and Jews -- are recognized as "protected" religious
minorities. The fourth article of the constitution states that
all laws and regulations must be based on Islamic criteria an
official interpretation of Sharia (Islamic Law). Laws and
policies severely restrict freedom of religion and practice the
government enforced restrictions severely restricting freedom of
religion. The government's level of respect for religious
freedom in law and in practice declined during the reporting
period. Government rhetoric and actions created a threatening
atmosphere for nearly all non-Shia religious groups, most
notably for Bahais, as well as Sufi Muslims, evangelical
Christians, Jews, and Shia groups that do not share the gover