Death of Iranian president triggers national and international uncertainty

The recent death of the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, in a tragic helicopter accident, has caused shock both nationally and internationally. Raisi, a 63-year-old ultraconservative ayatollah, was known for his strong defense of law and order during his term, which began in 2021 amidst a tumultuous context marked by protests both within and outside the country. Always dressed in his characteristic black turban and religious coat, Raisi presented himself as a defender of the underprivileged classes and of the fight against corruption during his presidential campaign. His first-round election in June 2021 was marked by a significant abstention rate and the absence of heavyweight rivals, thus succeeding the moderate Hasan Rohani. Raisi's term was preceded by the first legislative elections held in March, in which conservative and ultraconservative sectors aligned with his government received significant support. However, his administration was marked by riots and protests, such as those that occurred following the death of Mahsa Amini at the end of 2022, highlighting the division in Iranian society. Raisi's political trajectory dates back to his appointment as the Attorney General of Karaj at the age of 20, following the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Over more than three decades, he held various positions in the Iranian judicial system, eventually leading the charitable foundation Astan Quds Razavi in 2016, granting him significant power in the country. Personally, Raisi, a man of unassuming appearance with a gray beard and thin glasses, is married to Jamileh Alamolhoda and is the son-in-law of Imam Ahmad Alamolhoda. During his electoral campaign, he pledged to defend freedom of expression and the fundamental rights of all Iranian citizens, seeking to unite a society divided by individual freedoms. On the international stage, Raisi stood out as a staunch opponent of Israel, showing his support for Hamas during the conflict in Gaza in October 2021. The unprecedented attack on Israel in April 2022 highlighted his stance on the conflict in the region, leading to tensions with various countries allied with Israel. With the death of Ebrahim Raisi, Iran faces a scenario of political and social uncertainty, while the international community closely watches for potential changes that may arise in the country's internal and external politics.