Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared a period of mourning lasting five days in the wake of the passing of the nation’s President, Ebrahim Raisi.
Raisi tragically lost his life in a helicopter accident in the mountainous region of north-western Iran, alongside Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. State media has confirmed their deaths following the helicopter’s crash on Sunday.
Aged 63, Ebrahim Raisi had been considered a potential successor to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to state media, elections are scheduled for June 28th to select a new president. Meanwhile, Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber has been tasked with assuming interim responsibilities. Additionally, Iran’s cabinet has designated Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani to serve as the acting foreign minister.
Who is acting president Mohammad Mokhber?
Mokhber assumed the position of first vice president in August 2021, shortly after Raisi assumed office. This appointment marked his entry as the seventh individual to hold this position since the revision of the constitution in 1989, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in the government.
In his capacity as first vice president, Mokhber undertook extensive travel throughout the country to inaugurate various government development projects. Additionally, he frequently accompanied President Raisi on foreign trips or led delegations himself. Notably, Mokhber reportedly traveled to Russia alongside senior military and security officials to engage in discussions regarding arms transfers.
Previously, Mokhber was included on a list of individuals and entities sanctioned by the European Union in 2010 due to alleged involvement in activities related to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. However, two years later, he was removed from the list by the bloc.
In contrast to some other nations, Iran’s first vice presidency is not attained through election but rather through appointment. This role took on certain responsibilities previously held by the prime minister following the abolition of the position in 1989.
In Iran, there are multiple vice presidents who are appointed simultaneously, with each assigned various executive responsibilities. However, they function primarily akin to a cabinet.
Mokhber held the highest position among vice presidents. He was chosen due to his close ties with the office of the supreme leader, similar to the late president, as well as his affiliation with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Additionally, he was recognized for his proactive approach and extensive experience in managing large-scale executive matters.
Prior to his role as vice president, Mokhber held the position of head of Iran’s Setad, also known as the Organization for the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order, for 14 years. Setad, established under Iran’s first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, is a significant economic entity primarily dedicated to charitable endeavors.
Recent findings on the attack
As of now, Iranian authorities have refrained from providing a definitive cause for the helicopter crash.
Nevertheless, government officials have offered insights into the incident, detailing how the helicopter encountered challenges amidst dense fog and rain, ultimately leading to the crash.
