Disappearance and Background

On 20 May 2024, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi went missing after his helicopter crashed in East Azerbaijan province. The 63-year-old, often viewed as the likely successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a key figure in Iran's political and religious elite.

Raisi, a hardline conservative with deep connections in Iran's judiciary, first ran for president in 2017, losing to Hassan Rouhani. He succeeded in 2021 amidst a low voter turnout and has since navigated both domestic unrest and international tensions.

Early Life and Career

Born in 1960, Raisi began studying at the Qom seminary at age 15, learning under prominent Muslim scholars. By his early 20s, he was appointed a prosecutor in various cities, eventually becoming Tehran's deputy prosecutor.

In 1983, Raisi married Jamileh Alamolhoda, daughter of Mashhad's Friday Prayer Imam. The couple has two daughters. His involvement in the 1988 executions of political prisoners, for which he faced U.S. sanctions, marked a controversial phase in his career. Following Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's death, Raisi was appointed Tehran's prosecutor in 1989.

Rise to Prominence

Raisi's ascent continued under Ayatollah Khamenei, becoming chairman of the Astan Quds Razavi in 2016, a significant religious endowment in Mashhad. His influence grew, positioning him as a significant figure within Iran's political and religious spheres.

Presidential Campaigns and Leadership

Raisi's first presidential bid in 2017 was unsuccessful. However, in 2021, he won with 62% of the vote amid a 48.8% turnout, following the disqualification of several reformist candidates. His presidency has been marked by public discontent due to economic hardships exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed over 97,000 Iranian lives by August 2021.

Domestic Challenges

Raisi's tenure has faced significant domestic challenges. In late 2022, the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody triggered widespread protests against Iran's mandatory hijab laws. The protests, which saw women burning their hijabs and cutting their hair, were violently suppressed by mid-2023, resulting in around 500 deaths and several executions. A UN mission later condemned the crackdown as crimes against humanity.

International Standoffs

Internationally, Raisi has maintained a defiant stance, particularly regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018. Iran has since escalated its nuclear activities while denying intentions to develop nuclear weapons.

Tensions with Israel have been high, with Iran condemning Israel's actions in Gaza and retaliating against attacks on its interests in Syria. In April 2024, following an Israeli strike on Iran's consular building in Damascus, Raisi orchestrated a substantial missile and drone attack on Israel, leading to minimal damage but highlighting the ongoing regional conflict.

Legacy and Future

Despite controversies, Raisi's strong ties within Iran's establishment make him a potential candidate for Supreme Leader. His leadership has been characterized by a balance of hardline domestic policies and assertive international postures, shaping his legacy in Iran's complex political landscape.

Conclusion

Ebrahim Raisi's disappearance leaves a significant void in Iran's leadership. As rescue operations continue, the nation and the world watch closely, pondering the implications for Iran's future.