Following the sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran in a helicopter crash, speculation suggests that there will be no significant policy changes. Raisi, often mentioned as the successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and serving as the second-in-command, played a crucial role in the nation’s leadership.
According to the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy on the 26th, Reza H. Akbari, the head of the MENA region at the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), stated, “The judiciary, legislative, and executive branches are currently under the control of extreme conservatives.” He added, “Some experts believe that the death of Raisi could create an opportunity for traditional conservatives to challenge for the presidency.”
Akbari emphasized that there would be no significant changes to policies. He detailed that Khamenei, the National Security Council, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps determine Iran’s foreign policy. Moreover, he noted that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’s influence is increasing, and the trend of appointing individuals from this organization to key positions will likely continue, ensuring the continuity of strategic policies.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that US and European officials prepare for increased instability while selecting Raisi’s successor in Iran. Still, they expect no major changes in foreign policy. Given that Khamenei has supreme power in Iran, it is highly likely that the existing stance will be maintained.
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