Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber Assumes Role of Acting President After Death of President Ebrahim Raisi
Following the untimely death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Iran’s first vice president, Mohammad Mokhber, has stepped into the role of acting president. Mr. Mokhber, a conservative political operative with deep ties to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is now tasked with leading the country during this transitional period.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the importance of Mr. Mokhber working closely with the heads of the legislature and judiciary to organize elections for a new president within the next 50 days. This process will be crucial in determining the future leadership of Iran and the direction the country will take.
Vice presidents in Iran are typically not high-profile figures, but Mr. Mokhber’s background in business conglomerates and his close relationship with Ayatollah Khamenei make him a significant player in Iranian politics. At 68 years old, Mr. Mokhber took on the role of first vice president in August 2021 and has since been involved in key government initiatives.
One notable event during Mr. Mokhber’s tenure was a trip to Moscow in October 2022, where he finalized a deal to sell Iranian drones and ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the conflict in Ukraine. This move highlighted Iran’s involvement in international affairs and its strategic partnerships with other countries.
Mr. Raisi selected Mr. Mokhber as his vice president due to his extensive experience in leading prominent organizations such as the Mostazafan Foundation, Sina Bank, and Setad, a conglomerate controlled by Ayatollah Khamenei. These entities play a crucial role in Iran’s economy and are closely linked to the supreme leader’s agenda.
As Iran prepares for a new presidential election, the focus now shifts to who will be allowed to run for office and how the country will navigate this period of transition. With Mr. Mokhber at the helm, Iran faces a pivotal moment in its political landscape.
Contributing reporting to this story was Leily Nikounazar, shedding light on the latest developments in Iran’s leadership transition.
