I am not an expert on the internal politics of Iran, by any means. But even I — merely an interested news consumer — knew that Iran is a theocracy, and that its real rulers are not elected officials like Pres. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, but rather the unelected mullahs, whose head guy is Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Based on this story from Joe Klein, either John McCain is lying to give political cover to his attacks on Barack Obama — or he is as ignorant about our adversaries as the current president:

KLEIN: I’ve done some research, and um -

MCCAIN: I have too.

KLEIN: Also checked, also checked with the Obama campaign and he never, he’s never sai — mentioned Ahmadinejad directly by name. He did say he would negotiate with the leaders, but as you know – Ayatollah,

MCCAIN: (Laughing) Ahmadinejad is, was the leader.

KLEIN: But if -

MCCAIN: Maybe I’m mistaken.

KLEIN: Maybe you are, because -

MCCAIN: Maybe. I don’t think so though.

KLEIN: The Supreme, you know, according to most diplomatic experts, the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is the guy who’s in charge of Iranian foreign policy and also in charge of the nuclear program, but you never mention him. Do you, you know, um, why do you always keep talking about Ahmadinejad since he doesn’t have power in that, in that realm?

MCCAIN: Oh I thin-Again, I respectfully disagree. When he’s the person that comes to the United Nations and declares his country’s policy is the extermination of the state of Israel, quote, in his words, wipe them off of the map, then I know that he is speaking for the Iranian government and articulating their policy and he was elected and is running for reelection as the leader of that country. Yes sir, go ahead.

NEW REPORTER: One more quest-

MCCAIN: I mean, the fact is he’s the acknowledged leader of that country and you may disagree, but that’s a uh, that’s your right to do so, but I think if you asked any average American who the leader of Iran is, I think they’d know. Go ahead. Or anyone who’s well-versed in the issue.

Earlier this year, McCain confused Sunnis and Shia five times — once even suggesting that the Shiite government of Iran was giving aid and comfort to al Qaeda, which is a Sunni terror group.