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Who next will be Iran’s next president following President Raisi’s death?....

Mr Raisi, 63, was not only expected to succeed the 85-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but his death also has consequences for the future of one of the most powerful positions in the Middle East.

What is the difference between supreme leader and president?

The death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash raises the immediate question of who will succeed him in running the govt.

The supreme leader, also known as the velayat-e faqih in Shia Islamic theology, is the ultimate ruler in Iran and is responsible for making all major decisions concerning the state. The supreme leader, a position established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, is also head of state and commander-in-chief.

Only men are allowed to be considered for the job. The type of Islamic law mplemented in Iran, it has to be given to a high-ranking Shia theologian who must be at least rank as ayatollah – although it is disputed whether Mr Khamenei himself ever reached that level. The president mean for, is head country’s executive branch, is elected a closely vetted election process every 4 years. President controls govt, depend on person’s political background & strength, can amass great influence over state policy and economy.

What happens now?
According to Iran’s Constitution, upon president’s death,. First vice-president assumes temporary leadership. Together with judiciary chief & the Parliament Speaker, they hold a new presidential election within 50 days.

In case, if for temporary leader Mr Mohd Mokhber, a former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps member &  one-time head of endowment looks after office Islamic Republic’s assets. In effort to allay public concern about stability of the govt, Mr Khamenei spoke about Mr Raisi’s absence on May 19 evening – even b4 his death was confirmed – said people should not expect any disruptions to how the country is run. 

What impact does Mr Raisi’s death have on Iran and the region? -- A big?. Raisi’s death likely to affect battle who succeeds Mr Khamenei as supreme leader, an issue preoccupied academics, officials & analysts as Mr Khamenei gets older.

Raisi’s death could have consequences for Iran’s relationship with rest of the region. Iran backs a number of proxy grps, the most powerful of which are fighting Israel. The Revolutionary Guard Corps will look to make sure Iran’s enemies do not exploit a moment of upheaval. Raisi oversaw a warmer ties with Gulf Arab countries including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while it is likely that policy will continue, any new leader may have different priorities.

Who's next in line to be supreme leader?
Iran’s complicated opaque political structure, are virtually no official or public spaces, questions about Mr Khamenei’s replacement are openly discussed. But analysts, officials & academics close to political establishment had for some time mentioned both Mr Raisi as well as Mr Khamenei’s son Mojtaba as top contenders.

Mr Raisi’s death means Mr Mojtaba will now be seen as having a clear path to top office, but that would also be a risky appointment. Iran has a fraught legacy with concept of inherited rule – Leaders of 1979 Islamic Revolution vehemently opposed any sort of system that resembled the monarchy they overthrew.

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