In a horrific accident, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died due to the crash of the helicopter he was flying in. Along with the president, the foreign minister of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also died in the crash. The incident happened when the helicopter was crossing a mountain region near the Azerbaijan border. Soon after the incident, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed First Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber as interim president as per the constitution.
Key highlights
- Raisi was travelling to Tabriz after inaugurating the Qiz Qalasi dam along with the president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The dam was jointly developed by Iran and Azerbaijan on the Aras River.
- Raisi was the hardliners’ choice for the President in 2021. After assuming the office, he pushed the hardliners’ agenda.
- He was expected to succeed Khamenei to assume the charge of the Supreme Leader.
- As per the Iranian constitution, a new president should be elected within 50 days of the vacancy.
- The people of Iran elect a president from among the candidates allowed to fight the election by the Guardian Council. However, the Supreme Leader holds complete authority to make decisions with his decisive veto. The Supreme Leader also executes the responsibility of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
About Ebrahim Raisi
- He was born in 1950 in Mashhad, which is the holiest city of Iran.
- He was a hardline conservative, who wanted to adhere to tenets of Iran’s state religion, Twelver Shi’ism. He was against the ideas of reformists, who advocate greater freedom for women, strengthening civil society and human rights, free elections, etc.
Iran and the political situation
- Iran is currently facing Western sanctions.
- Since the end of the nuclear deal by the Trump administration, Iran has moved into the Russo-Sino orbit.
- Iran has extended its support to Hamas and other anti-Israeli groups.
- Raisi’s death will not impact the Iran-India Chabahar port deal.
Rights of the Iranian President
- Though the president works under the Supreme Leader, he plays a key role in mediating between the legislature and the executive. He also appoints ministers and vice president.
- He also makes key foreign policy decisions.
