Ebrahim Raisi, Hard-Line Iranian President, Dies Suddenly
Death Triggers Speculation About Leadership Succession and Regional Dynamics
The New York Times:
Ebrahim Raisi, the hard-line president of Iran who was seen as a potential successor to the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died suddenly. He was 63 years old.
Raisi's death comes at a moment of heightened tension in the Middle East. Iran is under increasing pressure from the United States and its allies over its nuclear program, and the country is also struggling with widespread economic and social unrest.
Raisi, who was a close ally of Khamenei, is likely to be replaced by another hard-liner. However, it is unclear who will emerge as the new president and what their policies will be. The death of Raisi is therefore likely to spark a period of intense political uncertainty in Iran.
In his address to the United Nations in September, Raisi made a series of tough statements against Israel, accusing it of "occupying" the Palestinian territories. He also condemned the United States and its allies for "oppressing" Iran through sanctions.
Raisi's hard-line stance was seen as a reflection of Khamenei's own views. It is therefore likely that Raisi's successor will continue to pursue a similar foreign policy.
The death of Raisi is a major blow to Iran's hard-line establishment. It is unclear who will emerge as the new president, and what their policies will be. The death of Raisi is therefore likely to spark a period of intense political uncertainty in Iran.
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