Analysis: Iranian President s Death Disrupts Plan To Consolidate Khamenei s Legacy themedialine.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from themedialine.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The death of Iran's hardline president might create some political terrain for moderates there and stabilize relations with a complacent West and especially the Biden administration, eager to put a lid on the Middle East before November's presidential elections.
With the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi, some dare hope for a boost in anti Iranian regime movements. Others mourn the death of a martyr or blame Israel. But his succession is for all a high-stake issue.
Iran's constitution effectively allows any Shia theologian to become Supreme Leader, and the maneuvering to succeed Al Khamenei now appears to include Hassan Nasrallah, longtime influential leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah militia. It could redraw the map of the Middle East, but would ordinary Iranians and politicians stomach such an audacious imposition?