Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian tragically died in a helicopter crash last night. The helicopter, carrying several top officials, crashed while navigating mountainous terrain in heavy fog.
The group was en route to the Iranian city of Tabriz following the inauguration of the Qiz Qalasi Dam near the Iranian-Azerbaijani border.
Transition of Power
Following the tragic event, Iran’s constitution mandates specific protocols. First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, 69, will assume the presidency temporarily. Mokhber is a seasoned political figure known for his close ties to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his significant influence within the regime. He previously headed Setad, a powerful state-owned foundation, and holds advanced degrees in international law and management.
Organizing New Elections
A council comprising Mokhber, Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Judiciary Chief Ghollam hossein Mohseni Ezhei will organize a new presidential election within 50 days. Supreme Leader Khamenei has assured the nation that state affairs will continue without disruption during this transitional period.
Read More: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Killed in Helicopter Crash
Who is Mohammad Mokhber?
Born on September 1, 1955, Mohammad Mokhber has been deeply involved in Iran’s political and economic spheres. He became the first vice president in 2021, following Raisi’s election. His tenure at Setad, an organization initially created to manage properties confiscated after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has been marked by controversy and sanctions.
In 2010, the European Union included him on a sanctions list for alleged involvement in nuclear and ballistic missile activities, although he was removed two years later. In 2013, the US Treasury Department also sanctioned Setad and 37 companies under its control.
Setad: The Powerful Foundation
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, established Setad, formally known as Setad Ejraiye Farmane Hazrate Emam (the Headquarters for Executing the Order of the Imam). The directive was to manage properties abandoned after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with proceeds intended for charitable purposes.
International Involvement
Mokhber was part of a team of Iranian officials who visited Moscow in October last year, agreeing to supply surface-to-surface missiles and more drones to Russia’s military. The touring party included senior officials from the Revolutionary Guards and the Supreme National Security Council.
Impact on Iran’s Political Landscape
The sudden death of Raisi, seen as a close ally of Khamenei, could significantly alter Iran’s balance of power. Besides Mokhber, other contenders for the presidency may emerge, including Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who has long harbored presidential ambitions. However, Qalibaf, a technocrat with a history of corruption allegations, might face challenges in securing the presidency.
The nation now looks to Mokhber to lead through this transition, with the expectation of stability and continuity in Iran’s state affairs.
