What happens in the event of Raisi’s death? An Iran expert weighs in

What happens in the event of Raisi’s death? An Iran expert weighs in

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's Helicopter Crash Raises Questions on Succession and Internal Stability

 

Tragedy struck Iran as President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter crashed into a fog-shrouded forest in East Azerbaijan province, sparking speculation about the country's future internal affairs in the event of his demise.

 

Fox News Digital reached out to Behnam Ben Taleblu, an expert on Iranian security at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD), to assess the potential ramifications for Iran's domestic politics. Taleblu highlighted Raisi's role as a symbol of the hard-right shift within Iran's governing elite, where loyalty and zeal often outweighed capability and competence. Notably, Raisi's past involvement in the mass execution of prisoners in the late 1980s underscores his controversial legacy.

 

Raisi, 63, rose through Iran's judicial ranks before assuming the presidency in 2021. His victory in the election, characterized by the disqualification of prominent opponents, reflected a historical low in voter turnout and widespread disillusionment with the political establishment. Despite holding a powerful position, Raisi lacked significant grassroots support, functioning more as a conduit for hard-right interests in Iranian politics.

 

With Raisi potentially removed from the succession equation, attention turns to other contenders, notably Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba. Mojtaba's rise to power, often characterized by a lack of accountability, suggests a possible bid for the supreme leadership position, further consolidating hard-line control in Iran's Shiite theocracy.

 

Raisi's presidency witnessed a continuation of confrontational policies, including uranium enrichment and hostility towards Israel. Notably, Iran's response to a suspected Israeli attack in April underscored Raisi's support for aggressive military action. Additionally, Raisi endorsed security crackdowns on dissent, exemplified by the aftermath of Mahsa Amini's death and subsequent nationwide protests.

 

Iran faces enduring challenges, including internal dissent and international tensions. The unresolved question of succession, coupled with persistent protests and diplomatic confrontations, underscores the precarious nature of Iranian politics. As the country navigates these turbulent waters, the consequences of Raisi's absence reverberate both domestically and abroad, shaping the trajectory of Iran's future.