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. HOW DOES IRAN’S GOVERNMENT WORK?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. |
Four Astronauts From Four Countries Return to Earth After Six Months in OrbitBetter funding could prevent more drowningsRogue digital billboard making fun of Waka Kotahi removedAi Weiwei mourns Hong Kong freedoms but is 'proud' of Tiananmen middleChina pushes emergency use of COVID vaccine despite concernsVideo shows chaos at aid delivery on Gaza beach‘Easter is a time to remember . . . to remember, amid all the distractions of life’Israel reined in by International Court of Justice rulings on GazaTame Iti brings Haki Ātea to WaitangiHezbollah launches rockets, drones into Israel as US warns Iran