Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has tragically died in a helicopter crash, as confirmed by Iranian state media. The crash, which left no survivors, also claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and other top officials.
Rescue teams, battling harsh weather and rugged terrain, found the wreckage hours later. An official informed Reuters that the helicopter had been completely burned.
Iranian state TV reported that there were no signs of life when the helicopter was found.
The crash occurred in Jolfa, a mountainous region in northwestern Iran, on Sunday. President Raisi and his team were returning from a visit to the Azerbaijan border.
First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is next in line to assume the presidency, pending approval from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi Died
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister were killed in a helicopter crash. The helicopter went down while navigating mountainous terrain in thick fog, according to an Iranian official who spoke to Reuters.
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Iran President Ebrahim Raisi Death Recent Updates
Here are 10 points on Ebrahim Raisi Death:
- State TV reported that no survivors have been found yet after the helicopter crash. The accident happened during President Raisi’s return to Tabriz after he and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the Qiz Qalasi Dam. Video footage of the crash site is available here.
- The helicopter, carrying President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials, lost contact about 30 minutes into the flight. This led to immediate concerns and a large-scale search and rescue operation.
- Initial state media reports called it an “accident.” Deputy President for Executive Affairs Mohsen Mansouri mentioned that two members of the president’s team had contacted rescue units, indicating the crash might not be catastrophic. The Ministry of Communications has narrowed down the potential crash site to within a two-kilometre radius.
- Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mehdi Safari reported that the Tabriz Friday prayer leader managed to speak with President Raisi by phone from the downed helicopter. Safari, who was in one of the three helicopters, confirmed this call.
- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged calm, assuring that the government remains stable. He prayed for the safe return of President Raisi and his team.
- The search involves over 60 rescue teams, including army, Revolutionary Guard forces, and police. The foggy, mountainous terrain and poor weather conditions have hampered efforts. Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand noted that rescuers detected a “smell of fuel” in one area, prompting focused search efforts.
- The international community has shown concern and offered help. Countries like Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Russia, Turkey, and the European Union have pledged support. The EU activated its rapid response mapping service to aid the search.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “deep concern” on social media, showing solidarity with the Iranian people and praying for the well-being of President Raisi and his team.
- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani thanked the international community for their support. US President Joe Biden is being kept updated, with the State Department closely monitoring the situation.
- This incident comes amid regional tensions, especially concerning the Gaza conflict and Iran’s issues with Israel. President Raisi, in office since 2021, reaffirmed Iran’s support for Palestine during the dam inauguration speech.
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Iran President Ebrahim Raisi Died FAQs
Q.1. What caused the helicopter crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi?
Ans. The crash occurred in harsh weather and rugged mountainous terrain, causing the helicopter to lose contact and ultimately crash.
Q.2. Who else died in the helicopter crash with President Ebrahim Raisi?
Ans. The crash also claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and other top officials.
Q.3. Where did the helicopter crash happen?
Ans. The crash occurred in Jolfa, a mountainous region in northwestern Iran, as President Raisi and his team were returning from a visit to the Azerbaijan border.
Q.4. What were the initial findings at the crash site?
Ans. Rescue teams found the wreckage hours later, with the helicopter completely burned and no survivors.
Q.5. Who will assume the presidency after the death of President Raisi?
Ans. First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is next in line to assume the presidency, pending approval from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
