Following the tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border, Mohammad Mokhber, Iran’s first vice president, has been appointed as interim president. This appointment follows the country’s constitutional procedure, which requires Mokhber to lead a three-person council, along with the speaker of parliament and the head of the judiciary, to organize a new presidential election within 50 days.
Key Facts About Mohammad Mokhber:
- Born: September 1, 1955
- Current Role: First Vice President since 2021
- Close Ties: Mokhber is seen as close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has ultimate authority in Iran.
- Background: Previously headed Setad, a powerful investment fund linked to the supreme leader.
Mokhber was part of a delegation to Moscow in October, which agreed to supply surface-to-surface missiles and drones to Russia’s military. He has also been involved in other significant political and military negotiations, reflecting his close association with the upper echelons of Iranian power.
Mokhber’s Role and Responsibilities:
As interim president, Mokhber is tasked with stabilizing the government and organizing a new presidential election. His background includes managing Setad Ejraiye Farmane Hazrate Emam (EIKO), an organization established by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to manage properties abandoned after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
In 2013, the US Treasury sanctioned Setad and 37 companies under Mokhber’s oversight, accusing it of confiscating properties from dissidents and other minorities. Mokhber himself was briefly sanctioned by the European Union for alleged involvement in nuclear or ballistic missile activities, though he was removed from the list in 2012.
Raisi’s Death and Its Aftermath:
Raisi, who was elected president in 2021, was known for his hardline policies, including tightening morality laws and cracking down on protests. He and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were killed in the helicopter crash, which occurred in blizzard conditions in East Azerbaijan province.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei assured the nation that the government would continue to operate smoothly. An emergency cabinet meeting was held, and the government pledged to follow Raisi’s path while maintaining stability.
Global Reactions:
President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan expressed profound shock and sorrow over Raisi’s death, highlighting Raisi’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and support the Muslim cause. Zardari emphasized that Raisi will be remembered fondly in Iran, Pakistan, and the broader Islamic world.
Future Prospects:
The new presidential election is expected to take place by early July, under constitutional rules. Until then, Mohammad Mokhber will serve as caretaker president, guiding Iran through this transitional period and ensuring continuity in governance.
