Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad Mokhber, is set to take on the role of interim president following the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in a helicopter crash. The crash, which occurred on Sunday due to inclement weather, claimed the lives of several high-ranking officials as they returned from a visit to the border with Azerbaijan.
The announcement of President Raisi’s death was confirmed by Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, who expressed deep sorrow in a social media post on X, stating, “Utmost dejected & grievously dolorous I have to announce that President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi & FM Hussain Amirabdollahian, embraced Shahadat in consequence to a helicopter crash during a mission to inaugurate a developmental project with a neighboring country.”
Under Article 131 of Iranian law, the first vice president assumes the presidential role with the supreme leader’s approval if a sitting president dies. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has the ultimate authority to approve this transition. Additionally, a three-member council comprising the first vice president, the speaker of parliament, and the head of the judiciary is tasked with organizing a presidential election within 50 days.
Who is Mohammad Mokhber?
Mohammad Mokhber, 68, was appointed as Iran’s first vice president by Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi in August 2021. He has been a prominent figure in Iranian politics and management, with extensive experience following the 1979 Revolution. Born in Dezful, Mokhber holds a Ph.D. in international law and has served as the head of the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order since 2007, an appointment made by the Supreme Leader.
Mokhber’s notable contributions include establishing the Barakat Foundation and the Ehsan Foundation. He also played a crucial role in producing Iran’s first COVID-19 vaccine, CONIRAN BAREKAT.
The death of President Raisi and other officials is a significant loss for Iran. The helicopter crash happened in mountainous terrain, with poor weather conditions hampering the rescue efforts. State television halted regular programming to show prayers and live coverage of the rescue operations.
President Raisi, aged 63, had been active in promoting development projects and maintaining regional relationships. His death marks a somber moment in Iranian politics, triggering the constitutional protocol to ensure continuity of leadership.
The interim leadership of Mohammad Mokhber is now under the spotlight as Iran navigates through this period of transition. The world watches closely as Iran prepares for a new presidential election within the stipulated timeframe, a process crucial for the country’s political stability and future direction.
