President Raisi is dead
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reported dead in helicopter crash
Rescue teams are en route to the crash site of a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other high-ranking politicians. Raisi was found dead at the helicopter crash site, according to state media reports. He was 63.
State media provided no immediate cause for the crash.
All nine people on board the helicopter died when it crashed on Monday in Iran’s northwestern East Azerbaijan region, state media said.
Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were traveling back from a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The helicopter disappeared from radar on Sunday afternoon.
“The president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, had an accident while serving and performing his duty for the people of Iran and was martyred,” Iran’s Mehr news agency reported.
Reuters cited an Iranian official stating that both Raisi and Amirabdollahian died in the crash. The government has not yet issued an official confirmation of their deaths.
State media reported that there were no signs of survivors at the crash site.
About Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi
Ebrahim Raisi, 63, was elected president in 2021 after rival candidates were barred from running. Since taking office, he faced numerous challenges. Iranian authorities launched a crackdown on dissent following large-scale unrest after the death of Jina Mahsa Amini in police custody in late 2022.
Last month, Iran launched a missile and drone attack on Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Raisi was seen as a strong contender to succeed Ali Khamenei as Iran’s Supreme Leader. If Raisi’s death is confirmed, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber would succeed him, and a new presidential election would be called within 50 days.
Iran state TV reported “no sign of life” at the helicopter crash site, and an official told Reuters that the helicopter was completely burned in the crash, with all passengers feared dead.
Rescue teams have since reached the wreckage, with the chief of the Iranian Red Crescent confirming the helicopter’s location and stating that the situation was dire. Harsh weather conditions had hindered search operations.
To the People of Iran,
In this time of profound sorrow, we extend our deepest condolences to you as you mourn the tragic loss of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and the other esteemed individuals who perished in the helicopter crash. This devastating event has touched the hearts of many around the world.
President Raisi’s commitment to serving the nation and his dedication to the people of Iran will be remembered. His efforts to navigate the country through challenging times and his vision for its future have left a lasting impact.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and the entire Iranian nation. May you find strength and unity as you navigate through this difficult period. The loss of these leaders is felt deeply, and we stand with you in solidarity and grief.
With heartfelt sympathy,
[BSKAMBU]