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. |
Wife is spared jail for stabbing her husband for falling asleep while she was talking to him8 watches owned by F1 great Michael Schumacher fetch more than $4 million at auction in GenevaGiuliani bankruptcy judge frustrated with case, rebuffs attempt to challenge $148 million judgmentRussia arrests another senior Defense Ministry official in bribery chargesMaths teacher Rebecca Joynes, 30, accused of sleeping with two of her 15Anglo American plans to break up its sprawling business as it tries to fend off takeoverAir Force instructor pilot killed when ejection seat activated at Texas baseBoeing orders tumble as troubled aircraft maker struggles to overcome its latest crisisOrca sinks another boat in Strait of Gibraltar, authorities warn of run8 dead, dozens injured in farmworkers bus crash in central Florida