The unforeseen demise of former Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter accident last week has shocked the international community, which had been speculating about the fate of the victims for over sixteen hours. The tragic incident occurred in the border region of East Azerbaijan, a province in northwest Iran, resulting in the loss of several prominent Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

Raisi, an erudite statesman, adept negotiator, and unwavering advocate for vulnerable and marginalized nations around the globe, was a ray of hope for the hapless people of Palestine at this critical juncture when an unbridled Israeli genocide is going on unchecked. It was among the most unfortunate events in Iran's history, occurring at a crossroads of geostrategic reorientation in West Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Despite the unfortunate and ill-timed passing of several key Iranian leaders in the incident on Sunday, Iran's political hierarchy has unequivocally declared that Tehran will adhere to Raisi's foreign policy principles and that there will be no deviation from them.

What really happened?

In a recent interview on the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN) on May 21, Gholam Hossein Esmaili, Chief of Staff to the late Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi, shared his account of the events leading up to the tragic helicopter incident that claimed the lives of the president and seven others, including the Iranian foreign minister. On that note, Esmaili was traveling in the three-helicopter convoy and was fortunate to be in one of the two choppers that successfully reached their destination.

Esmaili disclosed that there was no fog in the air, but the ground was foggy. He shared details of their journey back from the inauguration of the Qiz Qalasi Dam in northwest Iran, saying that after the Dhuhr prayers, they flew toward Tabriz in clear weather. However, before they reached the Sungun copper mine, a small patch of cloud appeared above a cliff at the same altitude as their helicopters were flying. At this point, the commander of the fleet instructed them to ascend above the clouds, which they did. After some time, the crew realized that the president's chopper was missing.

The eyewitness account for the President's Chief of Staff raises questions about why Raisi's helicopter chose to fly into the cloud while instructing the other two choppers to ascend above it. This point will come under investigation.

Raisi’s achievements and policies

Under Raisi's leadership, Iran has prioritized building stronger relationships with neighboring countries and those in the Eurasian region. With Russian and Chinese support, the country joined both the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

During his time in office, China successfully brokered a reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Consequently, the two nations managed to restore diplomatic relations. Under Raisi's leadership, Iran and Russia experienced a significant boost in security and economic cooperation. They also made the joint decision to align the North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) with the development of the Chabahar port as part of the agreement between India and Iran.

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Raisi's reign in the Arab world saw a significant improvement in Iran's relations with Saudi Arabia. In addition, there were determined attempts to improve tense relationships with neighboring countries such as Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Pakistan. Following the retaliatory attacks, Raisi decided to visit Islamabad last month as a gesture of reconciliation.

Throughout his time in office, Iran witnessed a remarkable surge in oil production, reaching a pinnacle of 3.4 million barrels per day, surpassing levels observed before the implementation of sanctions. China had the highest sales, surpassing all other countries.

Furthermore, Raisi expressed his support for the revival of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and aimed to reclaim the debt from the UK, which had breached a £400 million tank supply agreement with Iran back in 1979. Under Raisi's leadership, Tehran had informal talks with the US about its nuclear program and the release of hostages. Last year, as part of an exchange, the US released $6 billion of Iranian frozen funds.

The ongoing Israeli war has become a major topic of discussion. Iran will remember his legacy for the unexpected and unprecedented direct retaliation against "Israel" following the April strikes on the Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus.

Raisi's influence in India extended beyond the mere reinvigoration of bilateral relations. A crucial aspect of this process was the successful negotiation of a 10-year agreement between the two countries regarding the administration of the Chabahar port. The project held immense importance for him, and he had discussed it at length during meetings and phone conversations with Modi.

Will Raisi’s demise push for a major shift in Iran’s foreign policy? 

Following the central leadership's martyrdom, the Western media is filled with analysis pieces pointing to a palpable shift in Iran's policy. However, Raisi's passing will not have an immediate and substantial impact on the trajectory of Iranian foreign policy.

According to the Iranian constitution, the presidential authority does not have exclusive jurisdiction over the country's foreign policy. The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), the highest authority, frames national security and foreign strategy. In his role as council head, the president can exert influence over deliberations and contribute to the agenda's establishment. However, to reach a consensus, the president must still collaborate with 11 other permanent members who hold ministerial, political, or military positions of prominence. Finally, SNSC decisions must receive approval from the paramount leader.

Sayyed Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic, has exclusive power to frame foreign and security policies after the SNSC's final approval. In his role, the president neither influences nor takes such decisions alone.

According to the nation's constitution, which mandates a new presidential election within 50 days, Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei swiftly appointed Iran's first vice president, Mohammad Mokhber, as acting president of the country. Only 39 days after the devastating disaster, on June 28, the elections will now take place.

Iran knows how to deal with the crisis.

Contrary to the assertions made by Western media, there was no sense of panic within the Iranian establishment after the unfortunate incident that caused a colossal loss for Tehran. However, the Iranian government announced the replacements in a calm and organized manner, adhering to the constitution. Iran has shown resilience in the face of severe crises before. The country's history, especially during the turbulent 1980s Iran-Iraq War, demonstrates the resilience of its institutional framework.

In a tragic incident on August 30, 1981, President Rajaei and his Prime Minister, Mohammad Javad Bahonar, lost their lives in an office explosion. This devastating event created a political void in Iran during the crucial early years of the Iran-Iraq War.

This happened only a few months after a bomb explosion claimed the lives of judiciary chief Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti and several important political figures. These consecutive events, along with an assassination attempt on Sayyed Khamenei when he was a politician, had the potential to create instability in the country. In addition, Iran's constitution is rich with cultural expressions, which helped ensure a seamless transition after Ayatollah Khomeini's passing in 1989.