The untimely death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border marks a significant turning point for Iran, a nation at the crux of some of the most crucial geopolitical tensions in the world. Mr Raisi’s presidency, although short, was one of profound conservatism and strict adherence to the principles of the Islamic Republic as envisioned by its clerical leadership.

A hardliner within the Iranian political spectrum, Mr Raisi was often viewed as a possible successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His policies, notably his firm stance on morality laws and his unyielding position in nuclear negotiations, reinforced the ideological purity that the regime sought to maintain amidst domestic and international challenges. His approach was to strengthen Iran’s resolve against Western pressures while securing its regional interests through alliances with non-state actors across West Asia. Under Mr Raisi’s administration, Iran saw a resurgence of the........

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