Mohammad Mokhber: Iran's New Interim President After Raisi's Tragic Death
Mohammad Mokhber, aged 68, the first vice president of Iran, is poised to assume the role of interim president in accordance with the Iranian Constitution, following the tragic demise of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter accident, as reported by Reuters.
Serving as interim president, Mokhber will be part of a council comprising three key figures, including the speaker of parliament and the head of the judiciary. This council is tasked with organising new presidential elections within 50 days of the president's passing.
Who is Mohammad Mokhber, the prospective interim president of Iran?
Born on September 1, 1955, Mokhber shares a close affiliation with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority over all state matters. Mokhber assumed the position of first vice president in 2021 upon Raisi's presidential victory.
Mokhber was part of an official Iranian delegation that visited Moscow in October, where agreements were reached to supply ground-to-ground missiles and additional drones to the Russian army.
Previously, he served as the head of Setad, an investment fund associated with the supreme leader. In 2010, the European Union sanctioned Mokhber, along with individuals and entities, for alleged involvement in "nuclear or ballistic missile-related activities." However, he was delisted two years later.
Setad, officially known as Setad Ejraiye Farmane Hazrate Emam, or the Headquarters for Executing the Order of the Imam, was established by the founder of the Islamic Republic, Khomeini.
What transpires in Iran when a president dies during his term?
When a president passes away during his term, Article 131 of the Iranian Constitution dictates that the first vice president - in this case, Mohammad Mokhber - assumes leadership, subject to confirmation by the supreme leader. A council comprising the first vice president, the speaker of parliament, and the head of the judiciary must then arrange new presidential elections within a maximum of 50 days.
When questioned about allegations of his involvement in issuing death sentences, Raisi told reporters in 2021: "If a judge or prosecutor defends the security of the people, he should be commended... I take pride in having upheld human rights in every role I have held thus far."
It is worth noting that Israel unofficially stated it was not involved in the death of the Iranian president.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
