Ebrahim Raisi, characterized as a hardline and devoutly conservative figure held deep connections within Iran’s judiciary and religious circles. Tragically, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi was declared deceased on Monday following a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province, where he was traveling alongside other senior officials.

The 63-year-old political figure had long been considered the natural successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the paramount authority in Iran. With entrenched roots in the judiciary and religious hierarchy, Raisi, known for his conservative stance, initially vied for the presidency in 2017 but was unsuccessful. However, he secured the position in 2021.

Early Life and Career

Raisi commenced his religious studies at the prestigious Qom religious seminary at the young age of 15, studying under eminent Muslim scholars of the era. His professional journey saw him appointed as a prosecutor in various cities, eventually landing him a role as a deputy prosecutor in Tehran.

In 1983, he married Jamileh Alamolhoda, the daughter of Ahmad Alamolhoda, the Friday Prayer Imam in Mashhad. They were blessed with two daughters. Notably, Raisi was involved in a committee overseeing a series of political prisoner executions in 1988, a contentious period that led to U.S. sanctions against him. Subsequently, he ascended to the position of Tehran’s prosecutor after the demise of Iran’s first Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989.

Rise to Prominence

Under Khomeini’s successor, Ayatollah Khamenei, Raisi continued his ascent, eventually assuming the chairmanship of Astan Quds Razavi, Mashhad’s largest religious endowment, on March 7, 2016, solidifying his stature within Iran’s establishment.

Presidential Bid

Raisi’s first presidential bid in 2017 pitted him against Hassan Rouhani, the incumbent at the time. Rouhani, known for his moderate political stance, had overseen Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal negotiations. In contrast, Raisi, critical of the agreement, represented a more hardline faction within Iran’s political landscape. Despite his initial defeat, Raisi secured victory in 2021, albeit amidst a low voter turnout and notable opposition exclusions from the electoral process.

Challenges and Confrontations

Raisi’s presidency unfolded amidst domestic and international challenges. Internally, public discontent simmered over economic hardships exacerbated by sanctions and perceived governmental neglect of societal welfare. The death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, while in custody, sparked widespread protests, reflecting broader grievances.

Externally, Raisi navigated confrontations, notably with the U.S. over the unraveling of the JCPOA and with Israel amid heightened tensions over Gaza. Iran’s vocal support for Palestine underscored its regional alliances, despite intermittent clashes with Israel.

Legacy and Speculation

Raisi’s tenure, marked by established foreign policies and emerging conflicts, divided opinion. Nonetheless, his extensive network across Iran’s political spectrum positioned him as a formidable candidate for re-election and potentially, the supreme leadership, before his untimely demise.