Iran is set to hold presidential elections on June 28, following the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
Vice President Mohammad Mokhber has assumed the role of interim president, as stipulated by the country’s constitution.
President Raisi and several high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, were killed when their helicopter crashed in a mountainous region of north-western Iran. The government attributed the accident to adverse weather conditions and dense fog.
Candidates for the presidency can register from May 30, with the Guardian Council—a 12-member body of clerics and jurists responsible for overseeing elections—vetting the applicants.
Political analysts suggest that the clerical establishment and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will likely favor a candidate similar to Raisi, a hardliner with a deep-seated distrust of the US and Israel. Historically, the Guardian Council has restricted reformists from participating in elections.
The Likely Candidates
1. Mohammad Mokhber
Mohammad Mokhber, who has taken over as interim president, is considered close to Ayatollah Khamenei. Serving as the first vice president under Raisi since 2021, Mokhber has been a key figure in the administration.
Following Raisi’s death, Mokhber assumed the role of acting president on Monday, in line with Iran’s constitution. Known for his involvement in strategic negotiations, Mokhber was part of the delegation that visited Moscow in October, agreeing to supply surface-to-surface missiles and drones to Russia.
At 68, Mokhber previously led Setad, an investment fund linked to the Supreme Leader, and was once sanctioned by the EU and the US for alleged involvement in nuclear or ballistic missile activities.
2. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, 62, is the current Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, a position he has held since 2020. He was the mayor of Tehran from 2005 to 2017 and served as Iran’s chief of police from 2000 to 2005. A former commander of the IRGC’s air force, Ghalibaf has made three previous bids for the presidency.
His political career is marked by a tough-on-crime image, and he has campaigned against the wealthy elite. Ghalibaf’s 2013 presidential run was notable for his withdrawal to facilitate a contest between Rouhani and Raisi.
3. Ali Larijani
Ali Larijani, 65, a former parliament speaker who held the post from 2008 to 2020, is another strong contender. A seasoned conservative, Larijani later aligned with the relatively moderate former president Hassan Rouhani.
Larijani has an extensive political resume, including roles as IRGC commander, minister of culture and Islamic guidance, head of Iran’s state broadcaster, and secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. His prominent family includes a brother who served as the head of the judiciary, and his father was a respected ayatollah.
4. Mohammad Javad Zarif
Mohammad Javad Zarif, 64, served as Iran’s foreign minister from 2013 to 2021. Educated in the US and fluent in English, Zarif is recognized for his diplomatic engagement with the West, most notably leading Iran’s negotiating team in the 2015 nuclear deal.
Zarif’s recent public appearances, including at the Tehran International Book Fair, have kept him in the public eye. He has recently criticized US sanctions, blaming them for aviation part shortages that contributed to Raisi’s fatal helicopter crash.
5. Saeed Jalili
Saeed Jalili, 58, has played a significant role in shaping Iran’s foreign policy. He served as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator from 2007 to 2013 and is currently a member of the Expediency Discernment Council.
Jalili has a strong background in defending national interests, particularly in nuclear negotiations. In the 2021 presidential elections, he withdrew his candidacy to endorse Raisi, demonstrating his alignment with hardliner policies.
Conclusion
As Iran prepares for the upcoming presidential elections, these five contenders—Mohammad Mokhber, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Ali Larijani, Mohammad Javad Zarif, and Saeed Jalili—emerge as the frontrunners. Each candidate brings a unique blend of political experience, ideology, and influence, shaping the future leadership of the nation. The Guardian Council’s vetting process and the preferences of the clerical establishment will significantly impact the final list of candidates, setting the stage for a pivotal election in Iran’s political landscape.
