Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has been described as a pillar of the Islamic Revolution and a sheikh of moderation in Iran.
His death at the age of 82 raises questions about what direction the country is now likely to head.
Rafsanjani started out as a hardliner, serving as an aide to Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 revolution.
But he moved to the centre, favouring better ties with the West, and believing Tehran should open up more to the world.
His passing leaves a void.
He was seen as a supporter of the reformist movement. Without him, it’s believed some of the progress made may be lost.
Presenter: Laura Kyle
Guests:
Seyed Hossein Mousavian – Middle East Security and Nuclear Policy Specialist at Princeton University
Sadegh Zibakalam – Professor of political science at the University of Tehran
Ellie Geranmayeh – Fellow who specializes in Iran at the European Council on Foreign Relations
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