Once seen as a likely successor to the Supreme Leader of Iran, President Ebrahim Raisi died in office, leaving the Islamic Republic facing an uncertain future.
A hardline president, 63-year-old Raisi was killed on Sunday, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other senior officials, in a helicopter crash in remote northwestern Iran. His death comes at a delicate time for a country facing unprecedented internal and external challenges.
The economy of the Islamic Republic continues to be hampered by American sanctions, its youthful population is becoming increasingly restless, and the country faces increasingly belligerent adversaries both in the Middle East and beyond.
Who takes over the presidency?
Power has now been transferred to Mohammad Mokhber, who served as Raisi’s vice president and was approved on Monday (20) as interim president by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the final arbiter of internal and external affairs in the Islamic Republic.
What are the long-term implications of Raisi’s death?
Raisi’s death has raised questions about who will succeed Iran’s supreme leader, 85-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the most powerful man in the country.
The Iranian clerical establishment invested heavily in Raisi during his presidency, viewing him as a potential successor to Khamenei. Observers say he was being groomed for elevation to the position of Supreme Leader.
According to the constitution, the Assembly of Experts, composed of 88 members, chooses the successor to the Supreme Leader after his death. However, the members of the Assembly are pre-evaluated by the Guardian Council of Iran, a powerful 12-member body responsible for overseeing elections and legislation.
Could the upcoming presidential elections bring changes to Iran?
Some experts say that the elections represent an opportunity for the regime to bring moderates back to power, although Khamenei will likely do everything to maintain a conservative government.
Source: CNN