"Who Will Be Next President of Iran Following Ebrahim Raisi's Death? What Does Iran's Constitution Say?"

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian were declared dead after their helicopter crashed, as reported by Reuters. Rescuers found the crashed helicopter in Iran's mountainous northwest on Monday, but no signs of life were detected.

Iran is already facing significant challenges such as economic difficulties, international sanctions, and internal turmoil due to government actions.

According to Article 131 of the Islamic Republic's constitution, when a president becomes unable to carry out his duties or passes away while in office, the following steps are outlined:

1. The Vice President temporarily assumes the responsibilities of the presidency until a new president is elected.
2. Within two months of the vacancy, an election must be held to choose a new president.
3. The Guardian Council, a body responsible for overseeing elections and ensuring candidates' qualifications, supervises the election process.
4. This council includes the first vice president, the speaker of parliament, and the head of the judiciary. They have up to 50 days to complete the election process.
5. The elected president serves the remainder of the term left by the previous president.

In the present situation, the first Vice President, Mohammad Mokhber, is the rightful person to step in as the acting president. However, for him to become the president, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei must give his approval.

Raisi became president in 2021, and according to the schedule, presidential elections are supposed to happen in 2025. If Mokhber receives the approval of the council, then he will serve the nation until next year.

In Iran, the president plays a big role as the second-in-command, handling daily operations and representing the nation worldwide. When a sitting president dies unexpectedly, the first vice president becomes crucial. They're responsible for keeping things stable during a rocky transition period, ensuring continuity in leadership.