Iran’s President Raisi killed in a helicopter crash: What we know so far

Iran’s President Raisi killed in a helicopter crash: Latest updates and details on the tragic incident. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian Die in Helicopter Crash

 

In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through Iran and beyond, President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were killed when their helicopter crashed in a mountainous and forested region of the country. The crash, which occurred under poor weather conditions, also claimed the lives of other high-ranking officials on board.

 

Incident Details

President Raisi was returning from a visit to Iran’s border with Azerbaijan, where he had participated in the inauguration of a cooperative dam project alongside Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. This event marked a significant moment in the improving relations between Iran and Azerbaijan.

 

The crash took place in the Dizmar Protected Area, a wildlife corridor near the border with Azerbaijan. Heavy fog in the northern region of Iran led to a "hard landing" of one of the three helicopters in the presidential convoy. Rescue efforts were hampered by the adverse weather conditions, with rescue teams and military drones deployed to locate the crash site. According to the semiofficial Tasnim News Agency, the helicopter's location was eventually pinpointed by signals from the helicopter and a crew member's mobile phone.

 

Casualties and Immediate Aftermath

Along with President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian, the crash claimed the lives of East Azerbaijan Province Governor Malek Rahmati and Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, Khamenei's representative to East Azerbaijan. Other helicopters in the convoy, carrying Energy Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian and Housing and Transportation Minister Mehrdad Bazrpash, safely returned to Tabriz.

 

The search and recovery operation concluded late Sunday night, with the Red Crescent Society confirming the end of their efforts. The bodies of the deceased are being transported to Tabriz, where a funeral procession will take place.

 

National Response

In response to the tragedy, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed Vice President Mohammad Mokhber to assume interim duties. Mokhber is tasked with coordinating with legislative and judicial branches to prepare for a presidential election within 50 days.

 

An emergency Cabinet meeting was convened on Monday morning, with members expressing their commitment to continuing Raisi's policies. A photograph of Raisi’s empty chair, draped with a black sash, symbolized the nation's mourning.

 

Khamenei has announced five days of public mourning, during which state-organized events will take place across the country. In Tehran, a major mourning event is scheduled for Valiasr Square. The state broadcaster has been airing Islamic prayers in between news segments, and Raisi’s social media accounts have been sharing Quranic verses in tribute.

 

National and International Reactions

The deaths of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian have deeply affected the Iranian populace. Foad Izadi, a professor at the University of Tehran, described Raisi’s death as a “shock to the nation.” Vigils have been held in various cities, including a notable gathering at the mausoleum of Imam Reza in Raisi's native Mashhad.

 

Iran's political system, characterized by its robust governance structure, is expected to withstand the upheaval caused by this incident. Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst, emphasized the resilience of Iran's governing elite and its checks and balances, suggesting that the country will manage this crisis without significant disruption to state affairs.

 

This tragic event marks a pivotal moment in Iran's recent history, as the nation mourns its leaders and prepares for the challenges ahead..