Source: Jo Kassis

Introduction

In the wake of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of President Ebrahim Raisi and several other government officials, Mohammad Mokhber has stepped in as the acting President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Currently serving as the first vice president of Iran, Mokhber will hold this temporary position until a new election is organized within 50 days, as mandated by Iran’s constitution. Although Mokhber has maintained a relatively low profile, he has held prominent roles within Iran’s government and charitable foundations. However, his involvement in controversies has drawn attention and raised concerns both within Iran and internationally.

Background and Experience

Mohammad Mokhber, 68 years old, has been associated with Iran’s power structure for many years. He has held influential positions within charitable foundations known as bonyads, particularly overseeing the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO). The U.S. Treasury has described EIKO as a business juggernaut with investments spanning various sectors of the Iranian economy.

One of the major controversies surrounding Mokhber and EIKO has been the alleged violation of dissidents’ rights. There have been accusations that EIKO, under Mokhber’s leadership, has confiscated land and property belonging to dissidents, leading to concerns about human rights abuses and the suppression of opposition voices.

Involvement in the COVID-19 Vaccine Development

Mokhber has also played a role in Iran’s efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. However, these efforts have been marred by controversy. Despite promises of a significant number of vaccine doses, only a fraction of the promised supply was made available to the public. This discrepancy has raised questions about transparency and accountability within Iran’s vaccine distribution process.

International Sanctions

It is important to note that Mohammad Mokhber has been sanctioned by both the United States and the European Union. These sanctions are often imposed on individuals or entities deemed to be engaging in activities that pose a threat to international peace and security or violate human rights. The specific reasons for the sanctions against Mokhber have not been explicitly mentioned in the available resources.

Conclusion

While Mohammad Mokhber has assumed the role of acting President of Iran in the aftermath of the helicopter crash, his appointment has brought attention to his involvement in controversies within Iran’s political landscape. From his prominent positions within charitable foundations to his role in the country’s COVID-19 vaccine development, Mokhber’s actions have sparked concerns and raised questions about issues such as human rights and transparency. It remains to be seen how his temporary presidency will unfold and what impact it will have on Iran’s domestic and international affairs.