The story: In the aftermath of the May 19 chopper crash that claimed the lives of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran has promptly moved to fill their positions. As the late top officials are set to be laid to rest, a schedule for early presidential elections is seemingly taking shape. This comes against the backdrop of cross-partisan condolences amid calls for national solidarity.

The appointments: In line with Article 131 of the Iranian constitution, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has approved First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as interim head of the executive branch...