Iran Mourns President Raisi; Vice President Mokhber Named Interim President
— May 20, 2024
TEHRAN (AIA) Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei announced five days of public mourning following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. He confirmed that First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will serve as interim head of the country’s executive branch.
In accordance with Articles 130 and 131 of the first edition of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran (adopted in 1979), the first vice president steps in to assume the president’s duties if the president is unable to fulfil his legal duties due to dismissal, resignation, absence, illness, or death. Moreover, this transfer of responsibilities must be approved by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, and the nation must hold presidential elections within 50 days.
According to the Iranian political hierarchy, the head of state is the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, and the president is considered the head of the government, the second-in-command.
In the event of an unexpected death, the nation is anticipated to be led by the first vice president throughout this period of transition until new elections are held for the presidency. Significant modifications were incorporated into the Iranian constitution in 1989.