WHAT IRAN’S CONSTITUTION SAYS WHEN A PRESIDENT IS INCAPACITATED OR DIES IN OFFICE:
* If a president dies in office, article 131 of the Islamic Republic’s constitution says the first vice-president – who is Mohammad Mokhber – takes over, with the confirmation of the supreme leader, who has the final say in all matters of state in Iran.
* A council consisting of the first vice-president, the Speaker of parliament and the head of the judiciary must arrange an election for a new president within a maximum period of 50 days.
* Raisi was elected president in 2021 and, under the usual timetable, a presidential election had been due to take place in 2025. Under constitutional rules, it can be expected to take place by early July.