First Thing: Iran’s president and foreign minister dead in helicopter crash
Iran declares five days of mourning after president killed in a crash in fog-covered mountains. Plus, the film enfant terrible Harmony Korine on mowing lawns after burning out
Good morning.
Iran has declared five days of mourning after its president, Ebrahim Raisi, and foreign minister, Hossein Amir-abdollahian, died in a helicopter crash near the border with Azerbaijan.
What is Iran's leader saying? The country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - who holds ultimate power - told Iranians that no disruption will occur in Iran's state affairs".
What does it mean for the country? Raisi had been considered a possible successor to Khamenei - now, Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, could potentially take his place.
What will happen now? Iran's first vice-president, Mohammad Mokhber, will take over presidential duties, according to its constitution, and presidential elections should be organized within 50 days.
Will Trump testify in his defense? It's uncertain, though he has suggested he wants to.
When will the jury begin deliberations? If Trump does not testify, Tuesday could see closing arguments and the jury could begin deliberating on Thursday, as the court is not in session on Wednesdays.
Continue reading...