Who is Mohammad Mokhber, set to become Iran's interim president

Mohammad Mokhber, Iran's first vice president, is expected to take up the president's post for an interim period after the death of Ebrahim Raisi was confirmed on May 20.

But Mokhber's interim appointment requires the approval of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has the final word in all state affairs.

Nevertheless, his stay won't be long as Iran has to hold a new presidential election within 50 days of Raisi's death, as per the Iranian Consitution.

A three-person council, which comprises Mokhber, the speaker of parliament and the head of the judiciary, is tasked with organising the new presidential election.

Born on Sept. 1, 1955, Mokhber, like Raisi, is believed to be close to Khamenei, according to Reuters news agency.

Mokhber became first vice president in 2021 when Raisi was elected president.

The 69-year-old had previously been head of Setad, an investment fund linked to the supreme leader.

In 2013, the US Treasury Department added Setad and 37 companies it oversaw to a list of sanctioned entities.

(With inputs from Reuters)