Who Serves as Iran’s Interim President?

Mohammad Mokhber has assumed the role of Iran's interim president following the tragic demise of President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials in a helicopter crash, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sanctioning his appointment.

The former first vice president convened an extraordinary meeting with judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Monday morning.

Mokhber is set to hold the interim presidency until further notice. He pledged continuity in the government's responsibilities, vowing to honor Raisi's legacy without interruption, as reported by state media.

Initially appointed as first vice president by Raisi in August 2021, Mokhber stands as the seventh individual to occupy this position since the constitutional amendment of 1989, wielding considerable influence.

During his tenure as first vice president, Mokhber embarked on nationwide tours to inaugurate various government development projects and frequently accompanied or led delegations on diplomatic missions abroad, including a notable visit to Russia to discuss arms transfers alongside senior military and security officials.

Mokhber held the highest-ranking position among vice presidents due to his strong ties with the office of the supreme leader and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Recognized for his proactive approach and extensive experience in managing large-scale executive affairs, he was chosen for this role.

Before assuming the vice presidency, Mokhber served as the head of Iran's Setad, also known as the Organisation for the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order, for 14 years. Setad, established under Iran’s first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, focuses on charitable activities and is believed to be worth tens of billions of dollars, remaining directly controlled by the Iranian supreme leader.

Setad and Mokhber faced sanctions from the United States in 2021, with allegations of rights violations, including confiscating land and property from regime opponents. Mokhber led Setad during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing the development of COVIran Barekat, Iran's primary state-manufactured coronavirus vaccine.

Born in Dezful, Khuzestan province, Mokhber holds a background in electrical engineering and a PhD in international law. He previously held positions in banking and telecommunications and served as a deputy at the Mostazafan Foundation before joining Setad.

Mokhber's involvement in activities related to Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs led to his inclusion on the European Union's sanctions list in 2010. However, he was subsequently removed from the list two years later.

Unlike in many other nations, Iran's first vice presidency is a designated, non-elective position that assumed some responsibilities of the prime minister after its abolition in 1989. Multiple appointed vice presidents concurrently serve in Iran, each overseeing different aspects of executive affairs, functioning akin to a cabinet.