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. |
Emerging trends for upcoming May Day holidayBachelor runnerCalifornia reservoir is filled to capacity for first time since 1998 after droughtThe Wanted stars Max George and Siva Kaneswaran are reuniting for a new tour of IndiaGisele Bundchen's former Manhattan townhouse is back on the market for a whopping $17 millionGisele Bundchen's former Manhattan townhouse is back on the market for a whopping $17 millionBrad Pitt's girlfriend Ines De Ramon takes a stroll with male pal in LAWarner Bros. lands sevenLady Liberty unguarded: TaxUSDA is testing ground beef for bird flu