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. |
Watch: Nicola Willis reveals economy has slipped further this yearSydney Mardi Gras asks police not take part in Saturday's paradePrince William's supporters reveal what he's really like behind the scenes‘An immortal of our incredible game’Ant and Dec discuss their emotional farewell to Saturday Night Takeaway after 22 yearsSuccession's Brian Cox stars in an American stage epic... but at threeAwkward moment pregnant mother is left in tears after discovering she's having a third sonCore blimey: Bramley & butternut squash soup with gorgonzola creamWatch: Nicola Willis reveals economy has slipped further this yearHow Lady Louise Windsor is tipped for a key role in Prince William's future monarchy