Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi perished in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan-Iran border, officials reported on Monday morning. His demise raises questions regarding the next head of state.
According to the Iranian Constitution, if a president dies while in office, the first vice president assumes the role. However, this requires confirmation from the supreme leader. Iran operates a dual political system where the supreme leader, currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ultimate decision-making authority on all major policies.
Additionally, elections for the next president must be organised within 50 days. A council comprising the first vice president, the speaker of parliament, and the head of the judiciary is tasked with overseeing these elections.
Following Raisi’s death, Mohammad Mokhber, Iran’s first vice president, is expected to become the interim president.
Raisi, 63, was returning from Azerbaijan with Iran’s foreign minister and other officials when their helicopter crashed near the border on Sunday. Officials indicated that adverse weather conditions caused the crash and hampered the rescue operations, which lasted over 12 hours. The state news agency reported that all passengers on board the helicopter passed away.
Raisi’s death occurs at a time when Iran is grappling with numerous challenges, including widespread dissent over various political and economic issues.
