Iran's President Raisi Killed In Helicopter Crash: What Happens Next?

In a tragic incident, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian died when their helicopter crashed while navigating mountainous terrain in heavy fog, Reuters reported, citing an Iranian official on Monday.

According to Iranian state news channel IRINN and the semi-official Mehr News agency, there were no survivors in the crash, which was initially described in earlier reports as a "hard landing."

Earlier reports indicated that President Raisi's helicopter was found after a search operation, and it was feared that Raisi was dead. "President Raisi's helicopter was completely burned in the crash... unfortunately, all passengers are feared dead," an official told Reuters.

Rescue teams battled blizzards and difficult terrain throughout the night to reach the wreckage in East Azerbaijan province in the early hours of Monday (May 20). "We can see the wreckage, and the situation does not look good," the head of Iran's Red Crescent, Pirhossein Kolivand, told state TV.

Below is a brief outline on what happens when a president is incapacitated or dies in office, Reuters reported citing Iran's constitution:

• If a president dies in office, Article 131 of the Islamic Republic's constitution specifies that the first vice president, currently Mohammad Mokhber, assumes the role of acting president. This transition requires the confirmation of the supreme leader, who holds ultimate authority over all state matters in Iran.
• A council, comprising the first vice president, the speaker of parliament, and the head of the judiciary, must organize an election for a new president within a maximum period of 50 days.
• Raisi was elected president in 2021, with the next presidential election originally scheduled for 2025. However, due to the constitutional provisions, the election can now be expected to take place by early July.