Iran's First Vice President: Power, Succession, And Recent Transitions

Osbaldo Champlin 19 Jun 2025

The office of the First Vice President of Iran holds a pivotal position within the country's executive branch, often serving as the linchpin in governmental operations and, crucially, in the line of presidential succession. Defined by Article 124 of the Constitution of Iran, this role is not merely ceremonial but is vested with significant responsibilities, making its occupant the second most powerful figure in the elected government, after the President. Understanding this complex and dynamic position is key to comprehending the intricacies of Iranian governance.

From chairing cabinet meetings in the President's absence to coordinating the activities of other vice presidents, the First Vice President is integral to the day-to-day functioning of the Iranian government. Recent events, particularly the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi, have cast a spotlight on the critical importance of this office, demonstrating its direct impact on national leadership and stability. This article delves into the constitutional underpinnings, statutory duties, and the historical and contemporary significance of the First Vice President of Iran.

Understanding the First Vice President of Iran
Constitutional Foundation and Defined Powers
The Role in Presidential Succession: Article 131
Statutory Duties and Coordination Within Government
Recent Transitions and Key Figures in the Office
The Broader Context: Vice Presidents in Iran
The Significance of the First Vice President's Office
The Future of the First Vice Presidency in Iran

Understanding the First Vice President of Iran

The First Vice President of Iran (Persian: معاون اول رئیس‌جمهور ایران) is a unique and highly influential position within the Islamic Republic's political structure. Unlike many countries where a vice president might primarily serve as a successor or a figurehead, the Iranian First Vice President is deeply embedded in the day-to-day administration and policy-making processes. Article 124 of the Constitution of Iran explicitly defines this role as anyone appointed by the President of Iran to lead an organization related to presidential affairs in Iran. This broad definition allows for significant scope in the duties and influence of the office holder. Ostensibly, the first vice president of Iran is the second most powerful person in the elected branch of government after the president. This makes the selection of this individual a critical decision for any incoming president, as their chosen First Vice President will not only be a key partner in governance but also the immediate successor in case of unforeseen circumstances. The appointed nature of this role, directly by the President, underscores the trust and political alignment required between the two highest elected officials.

Constitutional Foundation and Defined Powers

The constitutional basis for the First Vice President's role is primarily found in Article 124 of the Iranian Constitution. This article empowers the President to appoint an individual to lead presidential affairs, effectively establishing the position. However, the true weight of the office becomes apparent when considering Article 131, which deals with presidential incapacitation or death. This article, adopted in 1989, stipulates that Iran’s first vice president will assume acting presidential powers if a president dies in office. This provision elevates the First Vice President from a senior advisor to a potential interim head of state, highlighting the critical nature of the role for national stability and continuity. Beyond succession, the First Vice President's powers are extensive and deeply integrated into the executive machinery. They participate in deliberations of the Supreme National Security Council, a crucial body responsible for national security policy. This involvement ensures that the First Vice President is privy to, and influences, the highest levels of strategic decision-making in the country. Their presence in such a vital council underscores the trust placed in them by the President and the Supreme Leader, as well as their direct involvement in matters of national defense and foreign policy.

The Role in Presidential Succession: Article 131

The most critical aspect of the First Vice President's role, particularly in times of crisis, is their position in the line of presidential succession. Under Article 131 of the Iranian Constitution, if the president is incapacitated or dies in office, the First Vice President assumes acting presidential powers. This constitutional mechanism was put to the test following the tragic helicopter crash on May 19, 2024, which killed President Ebrahim Raisi. Immediately after the incident, Iran's Supreme Leader appointed Mohammad Mokhber, who was then the First Vice President, as the country's acting president on Monday, May 20, 2024. This seamless transition, as dictated by the constitution, ensures that there is no power vacuum at the top of the executive branch. The constitution further mandates that a new presidential election must be called within 50 days of the First Vice President assuming acting powers. This rapid timeline is designed to ensure democratic continuity and the swift election of a new president to serve a full four-year term. For instance, following President Raisi's death, Masoud Pezeshkian was elected as the current president on July 6, 2024, well within the 50-day constitutional window, demonstrating the effectiveness of this succession protocol. The First Vice President's role in this interim period is to manage the country's affairs and oversee the election process, ensuring a smooth transfer of power.

Statutory Duties and Coordination Within Government

Beyond the critical role in succession, the First Vice President carries a heavy burden of statutory duties that are vital for the day-to-day functioning of the government. One of their primary responsibilities is chairing cabinet meetings in the president's absence. This ensures that government operations continue uninterrupted, and decisions can still be made at the highest executive level, even when the President is unavailable due to travel, illness, or other engagements. This duty highlights the First Vice President's authority and their deep involvement in policy implementation and governmental oversight. Furthermore, the First Vice President is tasked with coordinating the activities of the other vice presidents. As of August 2019, there were 12 Vice Presidents in Iran, each leading an organization related to Presidential activities. This multitude of vice-presidential roles necessitates a central coordinating figure to ensure synergy, avoid duplication of effort, and streamline governmental initiatives. The First Vice President acts as this central coordinator, ensuring that the various presidential organizations work in harmony towards common national goals. This coordination role is crucial for efficient governance and for ensuring that the President's vision is implemented across different sectors. In his role as First Vice President, Mohammad Mokhber traveled within Iran to shore up political support, including visiting the site of a 2022 building collapse that killed dozens and fueled accusations, demonstrating the proactive and hands-on nature of the position.

Recent Transitions and Key Figures in the Office

The office of the First Vice President has seen several significant transitions, particularly in recent years, highlighting its dynamic nature and the critical roles played by its occupants. The recent events surrounding President Ebrahim Raisi's death and the subsequent election have brought two prominent figures, Mohammad Mokhber and Mohammad Reza Aref, into the spotlight, showcasing the direct impact of this position on Iran's political landscape.

Mohammad Mokhber: From First Vice President to Acting President

Mohammad Mokhber's tenure as First Vice President under President Ebrahim Raisi was marked by his active involvement in domestic affairs and, ultimately, his pivotal role in the presidential succession. He is the seventh person to hold the office of First Vice President. Mokhber was the first person selected by former President Ebrahim Raisi after he took office in 2021. His appointment underscored Raisi's trust in him to manage significant aspects of the executive branch. Following the tragic helicopter crash that killed President Ebrahim Raisi on May 19, 2024, Mohammad Mokhber was appointed as acting president of the Islamic Republic on Monday, May 20. This immediate transition, approved by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was a direct application of Article 131 of the Iranian Constitution. Mokhber's assumption of acting presidential powers ensured continuity in governance during a period of national mourning and political uncertainty. His interim role was to manage the country's affairs and prepare for the snap presidential election, which was successfully held within the constitutional timeframe.

The Tenure of President Ebrahim Raisi and Mokhber's Role

Ebrahim Raisi was the eighth president of Iran, serving from his election in 2021 until his death on May 19, 2024. Throughout his presidency, Mohammad Mokhber served as his First Vice President, playing a crucial role in the administration. Mokhber's responsibilities included extensive travel within Iran to shore up political support, demonstrating the First Vice President's direct engagement with domestic issues and public sentiment. This included a notable visit to the site of a 2022 building collapse that killed dozens and fueled accusations, highlighting the First Vice President's role in addressing national crises and public grievances. The former First Vice President (Mokhber, during his acting presidency) held extraordinary meetings with key figures such as Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (the Speaker of Parliament). These high-level consultations are indicative of the First Vice President's involvement in coordinating across different branches of government, especially during critical periods, ensuring a unified approach to national challenges. This collaborative aspect is essential for effective governance in Iran's complex political system.

Mohammad Reza Aref: The Current First Vice President

With the election of Masoud Pezeshkian as the new president on July 6, 2024, a new First Vice President was appointed. Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, appointed Mohammad Reza Aref, a reformist politician, as his First Vice President, according to Iran’s state TV. Aref, born on December 19, 1951, is an Iranian engineer, academic, and reformist politician. His appointment signals a shift in the executive branch, aligning with President Pezeshkian's reformist leanings. Mohammad Reza Aref is the eighth and current First Vice President of Iran since 2024, serving under President Masoud Pezeshkian. His extensive background in both academia and politics makes him a seasoned figure for this critical role. He has also been a member of the Expediency Discernment Council since 2002, a powerful advisory body to the Supreme Leader, further cementing his influence and experience within the Iranian political establishment. His meeting with Mikhail Mishustin, the Prime Minister of Russia, on September 30, 2024, as part of Mishustin's official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, underscores the First Vice President's role in international diplomacy and bilateral relations.

Aref's Background and Appointment under President Pezeshkian

Mohammad Reza Aref, at 72 years old, brings a wealth of experience to the office of First Vice President. His background as an engineer and academic provides a strong foundation for addressing Iran's technical and developmental challenges. As a prominent reformist politician, his appointment by President Pezeshkian is a significant move that could shape the direction of the new administration. Aref had previously served in various capacities, though the provided data does not detail these prior roles. However, his long-standing membership in the Expediency Discernment Council indicates a deep understanding of the country's strategic decision-making processes and a history of engagement at the highest levels of Iranian governance. The appointment of Aref, a reformist, as the First Vice President under President Pezeshkian, also a reformist-leaning figure, suggests a concerted effort to implement a specific political agenda. This choice highlights the President's prerogative to select a First Vice President who aligns with their political ideology and vision for the country, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the top executive roles in Iran. The First Vice President, like other vice presidents, is appointed directly by the President of Iran, reinforcing the personal trust and political alignment required for this crucial partnership.

The Broader Context: Vice Presidents in Iran

While the First Vice President holds a unique and elevated status, it is important to understand that they operate within a larger framework of vice-presidential roles in Iran. The Vice President of Iran (Persian: معاون رئیس‌جمهور ایران, M'avân-e Renisjimhur-e Iran) is a politician hired by the President of Iran to lead an organization related to Presidential activities. As of August 2019, there were 12 Vice Presidents in Iran, each with specific portfolios and responsibilities, ranging from environmental affairs to atomic energy. This multi-vice-presidency structure is distinct and reflects a highly departmentalized approach to executive governance. Each Vice President is responsible for a particular sector or presidential initiative, and their activities are coordinated by the First Vice President. This system allows the President to delegate specific areas of responsibility while maintaining overall control through the First Vice President. The existence of numerous vice-presidential positions underscores the complexity of Iran's administrative apparatus and the need for specialized leadership in various domains. The First Vice President's role as the chief coordinator among these diverse portfolios is therefore essential for governmental cohesion and effectiveness.

The Significance of the First Vice President's Office

The significance of the First Vice President's office in Iran cannot be overstated. It is not merely a ceremonial position but a powerful one, making its occupant the second most influential figure in the elected branch of government. This individual is integral to both the day-to-day operations of the government and the long-term stability of the nation. Their statutory duties, which include chairing cabinet meetings in the President's absence and coordinating the activities of other vice presidents, ensure the continuity and efficiency of executive functions. Moreover, the First Vice President's participation in deliberations of the Supreme National Security Council places them at the heart of Iran's strategic decision-making processes, affecting national security, foreign policy, and other critical areas. The most profound aspect of their significance, however, lies in their constitutional role in presidential succession. The events of May 2024 vividly demonstrated how the First Vice President seamlessly steps into the role of acting president, preventing a power vacuum and ensuring the constitutional process for a new election is initiated promptly. This makes the First Vice President a vital pillar of Iran's political stability and a guardian of its constitutional order.

The Future of the First Vice Presidency in Iran

The recent transitions have underscored the enduring importance and adaptability of the First Vice Presidency in Iran. With Mohammad Reza Aref now holding the office under President Masoud Pezeshkian, the role continues to be a central component of the Iranian executive. The future trajectory of this office will largely depend on the evolving political landscape, the specific priorities of the new administration, and the dynamic between the President and their chosen First Vice President. As Iran navigates domestic challenges and complex international relations, the First Vice President will remain a key figure in policy implementation, internal coordination, and potentially, international engagement. The constitutional provisions ensure that the office will continue to play a critical role in maintaining governmental continuity and stability, especially in unforeseen circumstances. The First Vice President's ability to effectively coordinate the diverse activities of the other vice presidents and to step into the presidential role when needed will continue to be crucial for Iran's governance. This position, appointed directly by the President, will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of the Islamic Republic's executive power structure for the foreseeable future, adapting to the needs of each new administration while upholding its fundamental constitutional duties.

The First Vice President of Iran is far more than just a deputy; they are a central figure in the nation's governance, deeply involved in policy, administration, and critical succession protocols. The recent events have highlighted the indispensable nature of this role, reinforcing its constitutional significance and its practical impact on the country's stability and future direction. Understanding this powerful office is essential for anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of Iranian politics.

What are your thoughts on the role of the First Vice President in Iran's political system? Share your insights and questions in the comments below, or explore other articles on our site for more in-depth analyses of global governance.

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Iran's First Vice President: Power, Succession, And Recent Transitions

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