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.
Orioles send former No. 1 pick Jackson Holliday back to minors after he hit .059 in 10 MLB games
Vibrant Q1 consumption mirrors China's economic stamina
Moody Blues keyboard player Mike Pinder dies aged 82
Uzbekistan knocks out titleholder Saudi Arabia in Under
Salma Hayek shares rare photos from her wedding to Francois
Buffalo Bills open 2nd round of NFL draft by selecting Florida State receiver Keon Coleman
Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. to lead Indianapolis 500 field in Corvette pace car
Hackers claim to have infiltrated Belarus' main security service
NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98
Hailey Van Lith is headed to TCU for a final season after a one