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.
Shooting injures 2 at Missouri high school graduation ceremony
Rita Ora flashes some cleavage in a scoop
Texas spring signals time for Ewers to slow down and enjoy football in 2024 before NFL draft
Police in Paris detain a man wearing fake explosives vest at Iran's Consulate
Target to lower prices on basic goods in response to inflation
Indianapolis official La Keisha Jackson to fill role of late state Sen. Jean Breaux
Republican Wisconsin Senate candidate says he doesn't oppose elderly people voting
Travis Kelce downs whiskey shot on slice of bread at Kelce Jam without Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift leaves QR codes with secret meanings in Sydney and Melbourne ahead of the much
Pentagon vows to keep weapons moving to Ukraine as Kyiv faces a renewed assault by Russia
American Express profits jump 34%, helped by jump in new customers, higher spending