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.
Burglar hurled stolen mobile phones at police from the top of 60ft high roof during nine
The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay
Biden administration restricts oil and gas leasing in Alaska
UN refugee agency tells Cyprus to stick to the law in its efforts at sea to thwart refugee boats
Bella Hadid goes braless in a thigh
Watch Ryan Garcia get into an X
Stevie Nicks provides poem about ill
Apple pulls WhatsApp and Threads from App Store on Beijing's orders
Kristin Cavallari, 37, ignores critics of her age
Europe discards Arsenal and Liverpool shift focus to EPL title race
Medics remove 150 MAGGOTS from a woman's mouth after dental procedure left her with rotting tissue
American Express profits jump 34%, helped by jump in new customers, higher spending