Iran’s political landscape shifted dramatically on Monday as Mohammad Mokhber, the country’s First Vice President, assumed the role of acting president following the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.
This transition of power adheres to Article 131 of Iranian law, which mandates that the first vice president steps in with the supreme leader’s approval in the event of the president’s demise.
Who is Mohammad Mokhber? Born on September 1, 1955, in Dezful, Iran, Mokhber hails from a clerical family and boasts a diverse career. He served as an officer in the Revolutionary Guard’s medical corps during the Iran-Iraq war. Mokhber’s influence extends into Iran’s charitable foundations, particularly the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO), a prominent bonyad. Under his leadership, EIKO, described as a “business juggernaut” by the U.S. Treasury, ventured into various sectors, including energy and telecommunications.
Notably, Mokhber spearheaded efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic. However, the distribution of promised doses remains a subject of scrutiny. His professional journey also encompasses roles in banking and telecommunications, with involvement in navigating Western sanctions on Iran’s oil industry.
As acting president, Mokhber faces the task of overseeing a smooth transition and organizing a presidential election within 50 days, as dictated by Iranian law.
