Iran’s President, Ebrahim Raisi, and a potential successor to the nation’s supreme leader, died in a helicopter crash on Sunday at the age of 63. A conservative Shiite Muslim cleric, Mr. Raisi was known for his involvement in harsh crackdowns on opponents of the Islamic Republic. He was seen as a protege of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and a staunch supporter of religious rule in the country.
During his presidency, Mr. Raisi faced significant challenges, including a nationwide uprising in 2022 led by women and girls calling for an end to the Islamic Republic’s rule. He also grappled with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly with Israel. While he did not control Iran’s nuclear or regional policies, Mr. Raisi supported the country’s expansion of regional influence and its nuclear program.
Mr. Raisi’s death has raised questions about the future leadership of Iran, as the nation faces a potential transition with Ayatollah Khamenei’s advancing age. Mr. Raisi was considered a top contender to succeed the supreme leader, and his passing may pave the way for Ayatollah Khamenei’s son Mojtaba to take on a more prominent role.
Throughout his career, Mr. Raisi was known for his loyalty to Ayatollah Khamenei and his hard-line policies. He served as the head of Iran’s judiciary and was involved in some of the most brutal crackdowns on dissent in the country. His presidency was marked by a focus on re-imposing strict religious and social rules and shifting Iran’s foreign policy away from the West towards closer ties with Russia and China.
Despite his efforts to engage with Western powers, negotiations to revive the nuclear deal and lift sanctions fell through during his tenure. Mr. Raisi also made strides in restoring diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia and forging closer ties with Russia and China, including a significant economic and military deal with China.
However, Mr. Raisi’s presidency was marred by economic challenges, political repression, and human rights abuses. His government faced criticism for its handling of antigovernment protests, crackdowns on dissent, and enforcement of strict social and religious rules. His legacy is likely to be a subject of debate, with some praising his efforts to strengthen Iran’s position on the global stage, while others condemn his record on human rights and domestic policy.