With the sudden death of 63-year-old Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a tragic helicopter crash, close to its border with Armenia, the Iranian government will now have to elect a new President to take over the reins of the state, already battling multiple crises.
The Fatal Crash
The late Iranian President Raisi, along with eight others, including Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollhian were coming after inaugurating the Qiz Qalasi Dam on the River Aras along with his Azerbaijani counterpart President Ilham Aliyev. The Bell-212 helicopter the Iranian President was flying in crashed into a mountain in foggy conditions, shortly after taking off. The two other helicopters in Raisi’s entourage landed at the city of Tabrez without incident. It took many hours to locate the crash site due to the inclement weather. Turkey sent an Akinci drone which reportedly located the crash site. The Governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province has also perished in the crash.
Now What For Iran
Article 131 of the Iranian constitution stipulates that if an Iranian President dies in office then the First Vice-President assumes temporary presidency if approved by the Supreme Leader. Presidential Polls are to be organised by a panel, which consists of the First Vice-President, the Speaker of the Parliament and the head of the Judiciary, within a period of 50 days after the office becomes vacant.
Mokhber To Be Interim President?
Mohammed Mokhber, 69, is the First Vice-President of Iran, since 2021. He has already held meetings with the Speaker of Parliament and the head of the judiciary. Mokhber is said to be close to Iran’s Supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who will give the final approval for Mokhber to be the interim president. The 69-years-old was involved last year in negotiation with Russia for the sale of missiles and drones. Iran is scheduled to hold a presidential election next year.
Iran has named Ali Bagheri Kani as the acting Foreign Minister. The Islamic Republic has also declared five days of national mourning following the death of the President.
Dhruv Yadav