JERUSALEM (AP) — The death of Iran’s president is unlikely to lead to any immediate changes in Iran’s ruling system or to its overarching policies, which are decided by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
But Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash Sunday, was seen as a prime candidate to succeed the 85-year-old supreme leader, and his death makes it more likely that the job could eventually go to Khamenei’s son.
A hereditary succession would pose a potential crisis of legitimacy for the Islamic Republic, which was established as an alternative to monarchy but which many Iranians already see as a corrupt and dictatorial regime.
Here’s a look at what comes next.
Iran holds regular elections for president and parliament with universal suffrage.
But the supreme leader has final say on all major policies, serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and controls the powerful Revolutionary Guard.
Devout Christian doctor, 68, who punched dementia
Sydney mall stabbing: Officer, bystanders hailed for confronting and stopping attacker
China's fiscal budget well implemented in 2023
Children are evacuated from school 'during an exam' after threat made via email
Israel hails 'success' after blocking unprecedented attack from Iran
China's industrial output up 7 pct in Jan
Textile enterprises in Zhejiang advance green, high
With Djokovic awaiting the winner, Murray trails Hanfmann at rain