Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Dies in Helicopter Crash: What Happens Next?

Iran's political landscape is set to face a significant shift after the current President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. He was 63. As per Iran's constitution, his office will now be held by Mohammad Mokhber, the first vice president.

In the event of President's demise, Article 131 of the Islamic Republic of Iran's constitution mandates a council comprised of the first vice president, the speaker of parliament, and the head of the judiciary to arrange for a new presidential election within 50 days. With Raisi's unexpected passing, this process is set into motion, potentially leading to a new leader by early July.

Ebrahim Raisi's tenure as president, which began in 2021 after a landslide electoral victory, marked a continuation of conservative principles in Iranian politics. His strict and heavy enforcement of Islamic laws, particularly regarding women's attire and behavior, drew both support and criticism. Ebrahim Raisi is believed to be close to Iran's Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei. Notably, Khamenei has the last and final say in all matters of Iran. The same will be followed in electing the next president after the elections.

However, Raisi's legacy is not without controversy. His involvement in repressive measures, including the enforcement of draconian laws and alleged participation in mass executions of Marxists and leftists during his tenure as deputy prosecutor of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran, has sparked heavy condemnation from human rights groups. His tenure was marred by reminders of Iran's darker periods of repression, including the notorious "death committees" of 1988.

Apart from that, Raisi was also considered a likely successor to Khamenei as the Supreme Leader of Iran. But his death now opens the door for Ali Khamenei's son Mojtaba, to take the top job uncontested.

Now, attention turns to 68-year-old Mohammad Mokhber, who, like Raisi, is close to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Mokhber's interim presidency will oversee the transition period until the election of a new leader. 

Mohammad Mokhber, born on Sept. 1, 1955, climbed the political ladder from the Iranian bureaucracy. Mokhber was part of the team that visited Moscow and signed a deal to supply surface-to-surface missiles and more drones to Russia's military. Apart from that, Mokhber was also the head of Setad, an investment fund closely linked to the supreme leader Khamenei.

Notably, the vice president also has a financial background which he gained during his time as one-time head of endowment that looks after the Islamic Republic's assets. Apart from that he has also served as a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is considered Iran's most important institution. 

As vice president soon to transition into interim president, Mokhber will also be a part of the 3 member council that is responsible for conducting a fresh round of elections within 50 days of the demise of a sitting president.