Summary
- Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash has shocked the Islamic regime and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Raisi was integral to Khamenei’s plans to cement the influence of regime hardliners and ensure a smooth succession.
- The next presidential election poses a fresh challenge for Iran’s delicate political system.
- Despite Raisi’s death, Khamenei’s objective remains to ensure the republic’s survival.
