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. |
Body believed to be that of trucker who went missing in November found in Iowa farm fieldAmerican and Southwest airlines both say they lost money in Q1GOP mulls next move after Kansas governor vetoes effort to help Texas in border security fightWhy Harvey Weinstein's New York rape conviction was tossedBig 12 newcomers struggled in debuts. Now they're getting ready for the league to change againMLB Players Weekend returns from Aug. 16Wild horses to remain in North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National ParkABBA film chronicling the Swedish band's rise to global stardom includes neverABBA film chronicling the Swedish band's rise to global stardom includes never17 states challenge federal rules entitling workers to accommodations for abortion