Khamenei's confidant, Mochber, assumes official responsibilities.
After the demise of Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi in a tragic helicopter accident, the spiritual leader anoints his deputy as the temporary leader. Mohammed Mochber's key responsibility now lies in organizing the forthcoming elections. The 68-year-old had earlier found himself on the EU sanctions list due to his position as the head of the investment conglomerate.
In the wake of Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi's unexpected death, the nation's spiritual leader has appointed his deputy, Mohammed Mochber, as the acting head of state. In accordance with the constitution, "Mochber has been entrusted with taking charge of the executive," clarified Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Mochber is mandated to work in collaboration with the legislative and judicial branches to coordinate presidential elections "within a maximum time frame of 50 days."
Mochber had assumed office alongside hardliner Raisi in 2021. He is regarded as a close associate of Iran's influential religious and political leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who exerts authority over all state affairs. As per the constitution, as the temporary president, he should set up a council with the speaker of parliament and the head of the judiciary, aimed at conducting a new presidential election within 50 days. Khamenei has already urged the populace not to fret, assuring them that there won't be any disruption to government operations.
Mochber gained more international attention in October as part of an Iranian delegation on a visit to Moscow, during which the two embattled states deliberated on broadening their collaboration. Insiders confirmed that Iran committed to providing additional drones and surface-to-surface missiles, which Russia is currently employing in the war against Ukraine. Mochber was accompanied by two prominent members of the powerful Revolutionary Guards and a representative from the Supreme National Security Council.
Mochber had previously served as the head of the investment conglomerate known as Setad, which reports directly to the Supreme Leader of Iran. The Setad Ejraiye Farmane Hazrate Emam (Headquarters for the Execution of the Imam's Command) conglomerate was founded by the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and initially managed assets that had been abandoned following the chaotic years following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Since then, the conglomerate has evolved into one of the most potent economic entities in Iran, owning vast fortunes. In 2010, the European Union blacklisted Mochber among individuals and entities they penalized for involvement in "nuclear or ballistic missile activities." Two years later, the EU struck him off the list. In 2013, the US Treasury Department sanctioned Setad and 37 enterprises managed under this conglomerate.
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After Ebrahim Raisi's unfortunate passing, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei tapped his deputy Mohammed Mochber as the interim leader of Iran. Given Mochber's role as a confidant to Khamenei and his previous experiences, Ebrahim Raisi's successor is expected to continue the country's political trajectory closely aligned with the spiritual leader's vision.
Source: www.ntv.de
