Iran President Ebrahim Raisi died in helicopter crash along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian in the north-western mountains of Iran as of May 19, 2024. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared five days of mourning following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi.
Who Was Ebrahim Raisi?
Ebrahim Raisi (December 1960 – 19-May-2024), a prominent Iranian politician, served as the eighth president of Iran from 2021 until his untimely death in 2024. Despite his clerical background and various roles in Iran’s judicial system, Raisi faced criticism for his alleged involvement in the 1988 executions of political prisoners. His presidency, which began after a disputed election, was marked by heightened tensions with the U.S., intensified uranium enrichment, and support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash near Varzaqan cut short his political career, leaving behind a legacy of controversy and speculation about his potential succession to Iran’s Supreme Leader.
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President Raisi, 63, was known as a hard-line cleric and had strengthened conservative control in Iran since his election in 2021. Despite his death, the Iranian government has stated it will continue to function smoothly.
President Raisi’s Funeral to be Held Following Helicopter Crash
The helicopter crash occurred on Sunday in foggy conditions near the border with Azerbaijan. President Raisi had been visiting the area to inaugurate the Qiz Qalasi and Khodaafarin dams with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev. Rescue teams have recovered the bodies, and a funeral for President Raisi will be held on Tuesday 21-May-2024 in Tabriz.
International Leaders Offer Condolences for President Raisi
Leaders from various countries, including Pakistan, India, Turkey, Russia, and China, have expressed their condolences. Pakistan and Turkey have declared national days of mourning. However, the White House criticized Raisi, holding him accountable for human rights abuses and support for terrorist networks.
The international community remains focused on Iran as it navigates this significant leadership transition.
Who is in Charge of Iran?
Iran is currently undergoing a significant transition following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. This tragic event has set the stage for new presidential elections in the country. In the interim, Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber will handle presidential duties, and Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani will serve as acting foreign minister. New presidential elections are scheduled for June 28.
Leadership Transition
Iran’s constitution clearly outlines the procedure for when a president is unable to perform his duties due to illness, death, or removal by parliament. In the wake of President Raisi’s death, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed First Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber to manage the country’s affairs. Mohammad Mokhber will work with the heads of parliament and the judiciary to organize a new presidential election, which will be held within 50 days.
Supreme Leader’s Role
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been the supreme leader since 1989, remains the most powerful figure in Iran. As head of state and commander-in-chief, he oversees the national police, the morality police, and the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC is responsible for internal security and has a volunteer wing, the Basij Resistance Force, which is used to quell dissent.
President’s Role
The president, while being the top elected official, ranks second to the supreme leader. The president oversees the day-to-day operations of the government and has considerable influence over domestic policy and foreign affairs. However, his powers, particularly in security matters, are relatively limited. The president’s interior ministry manages the national police force, but its commander is appointed by and answers directly to the supreme leader.
Political Climate
The political landscape in Iran has been marked by significant challenges. In 2022, the country experienced widespread protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman detained by the morality police for allegedly violating the dress code. These protests, initially focused on the dress code, expanded into broader anti-regime demonstrations, reflecting widespread discontent with the government’s policies.
The Morality Police and IRGC
The morality police, established in 2005, enforce Islamic morals and dress codes. They have the authority to issue warnings, impose fines, and arrest individuals. The IRGC, an independent organization from the regular military, maintains internal security and has a significant military, political, and economic presence in Iran. It also has an overseas arm, the Quds Force, which supports allies throughout the Middle East.
The Basij Resistance Force
The Basij Resistance Force, a volunteer paramilitary organization, operates under the IRGC. It plays a crucial role in internal security and has been actively involved in suppressing anti-government protests. The Basij has branches across Iran and within many official institutions, ensuring loyalty to the revolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How old was the helicopter that crashed in Iran?
A: It was a 45-year-old helicopter used for Iran President Ebrahim Raisi tour.
Q: Did they find the Iran president body?
A: Yes, the body of Iran’s president, Ebrahim Raisi, was found after the helicopter crash.
Q: What is the cause of Iran’s president’s death?
A: The cause of Iran’s president Ebrahim Raisi death was the helicopter crash.
Q: Is the president of Iran a dictator?
A: In Iran, the president is subordinate to the Supreme Leader, who serves as the nation’s head of state and enforces his directives. Unlike leaders in many other nations, the Iranian president lacks complete authority over the government, which remains under the direct authority of the Supreme Leader.
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Conclusion
In summary, while the death of President Raisi necessitates a new election, the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, continues to hold ultimate power in Iran, overseeing critical aspects of the country’s governance and security.