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.
Pentagon vows to keep weapons moving to Ukraine as Kyiv faces a renewed assault by Russia
New York man Craig Ross Jr is sentenced to 47 years to life for sexually assaulting nine
Tommy Fury heads out in his £180,000 Mercedes G Wagon for a haircut after his fiancé Molly
Netflix fans reveal the shows they gave up on after a few episodes: 'Don't waste your time'
Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
Rivalries on tap with Barcelona
Iran hints it will build a NUKE if Netanyahu carries out a strike on its atomic sites
Former NHL star Jaromir Jagr scores in his first game since turning 52
Amir Khan's £11.5m luxury wedding venue finally hosts its first marriage: Bride arrives on horse
Iran hints it will build a NUKE if Netanyahu carries out a strike on its atomic sites
Independent UN experts urge Yemen’s Houthis to free detained Baha'i followers
Soldiers who lost limbs in Gaza fighting are finding healing on Israel's amputee soccer team