Iran Roundup: President's death, power struggle, interim president

Death of Iranian president

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a hard-line protege of the country’s supreme leader, died in a helicopter crash at age 63. The President and his foreign minister died when their helicopter crashed as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog, Reuters reported. He oversaw mass executions in 1988 and led Iran’s uranium enrichment program. His administration pushed back against international inspections and faced internal dissent. He was known for his role in Iran’s judiciary and was sanctioned by the US Treasury for human rights violations. Raisi won the presidency in 2021 with the lowest voter turnout in Iran’s history.

Power struggle

The death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in a helicopter crash has sparked a power struggle in Iran. Daily Express indicated that Raisi's deputy, Mohammad Mokhber will temporarily take over, potentially leading to increased involvement of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the government. The Supreme Leader's strategic decisions are not expected to change. Raisi was expected to be Khamenei's successor, but now his son may be in line for the position.

Interim president

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has confirmed Mohammad Mokhber as interim president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi, Aljazeera reports. Ali Bagheri Kani has been appointed as acting foreign minister. Iran is in a state of mourning for five days. The country remains in a state of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with ongoing conflicts with Israel and Iran-backed groups. Mokhber has 50 days to arrange for the election of a new president, as per the constitution.

Iran war

Iran's regime vows to continue as normal despite the death of their president Ebrahim Raisi. The country has been involved in intense conflicts and is continuing with its nuclear weapon agenda. Raisi was known for his brutal tactics and his death created a power vacuum. According to The Sun, the Iranian people are celebrating his death, and the regime is facing instability as they look for a replacement.

Acting foreign minister

Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Ali Bagheri, has been appointed as the acting foreign minister following the death of Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash. Bagheri previously served as the deputy foreign minister under Amir-Abdollahian. According to NDTV, Bagheri is considered to be affiliated with Iran's ultraconservatives and part of the inner circle of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is the father-in-law of Bagheri's brother. This appointment was announced by government spokesman Ali Bahadori Jahromi on state television.