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.
Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
China Takes Gold in Women's Team Sprint at UCI Track Nations Cup
China's Yin Ruoning Wins Women's PGA Championship
Gangsters Paradise: Why do so many British mobsters flee to Dubai?
Elon Musk gets approval from FDA to implant his Neuralink brain chip into a second patient
Heartwarming moment driver saves dog from being run over by bringing traffic to a halt on busy six
China Wins Two More Gold Medals, Qin Lands Second Breaststroke Title
Pope trip to Luxembourg, Belgium confirmed for September, 2 weeks after challenging Asia visit
China's Chen, Fan Labor to WTT Singapore Smash Crowns
Elon Musk gets approval from FDA to implant his Neuralink brain chip into a second patient
Across China: Never Too Late! 66