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.
Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
Jets trade defensive lineman John Franklin
Steven Stamkos scores twice, Lightning avoid elimination with 6
Yellowstone star Ian Bohen says show will have 'best series finale in history'
Six killed in a 'foiled coup' in Congo, the army says
Nico Williams racially abused by fans as his Athletic loses at Atletico in fight for CL spot
A strong magnitude 6.1 earthquake shakes Indonesia's Java Island, felt in Jakarta
Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf is spotted on the streets of Gavin and Stacey's hometown Barry
Penix wowed Falcons' Morris, Fontenot with sound of his passes in pre
Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
Mexican journalist is slain south of Mexico City, spurring outrage among colleagues