Iran President Ebrahim Raisi killed in helicopter crash. Here’s what happens next

What happens after a president dies in office? Here's what Iran's Constitution says

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi speaks during the 43rd anniversary of the U.S. expulsion from Iran, in Tehran, Iran November 4, 2022. (Reuters)

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan-Iranian border, officials said Monday morning. His passing away poses a question over the next head of state.

The Iranian Constitution outlines that it a president dies in office, the first vice president takes over. However, he would need a confirmation from the supreme leader. Iran has a dual political system, where the supreme leader — currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — holds decision-making power on all major policies.

Moreover, elections for the next president must be held within 50 days. A council of the first vice president, the speaker of parliament and the head of the judiciary are responsible for holding these elections.

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After Raisi’s death, Mohammad Mokhber, Iran’s first vice president, is expected to take over as interim president.

Raisi, 63, along with Iran’s foreign minister, and other officials was on his way back from Azerbaijain when helicopter crashed near the border on Sunday. Officials said that bad weather caused the crash, and also impeded the rescue operations that went on for over 12 hours. All passengers onboard the helicopter died in the crash, the state news agency has said.

The death comes at a time when Iran is already facing several challenges, with dissent over a range of political and economic issues. The Iranian government face international pressure over its ally Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023, as well as its deepening military ties with Russia during the war with Ukraine.

— with inputs from Reuters

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