Was the helicopter of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi downed by Israel's Mossad? This question arises amidst the worst phase of Iran-Israel relations. Tensions already escalated after Hamas's attack on Israel, and now, Raisi's helicopter crash under mysterious circumstances has provoked suspicion. Let's delve into the reasons for suspecting Mossad and the potential implications if true.
Sunday Evening 7.00 PM Varzegan, Iran
The helicopter carrying Iranian President Raisi and several VIPs vanished near the city of Varzegan, about 50 kilometers from Tabriz, in mountainous terrain. Initial reports suggested a hard landing due to bad weather. Still, the search continues, with dwindling hopes for the safety of President Raisi and his entourage.
16 Hours of Search and a Grim Scene
Following a grueling 16-hour rescue operation, Iranian and Turkish surveillance teams stumbled upon a horrendous sight: the wreckage of President Ibrahim Raisi's helicopter evident in drone footage, leaving hardly any hope for survivors amid the debris and billowing smoke. It was the Turkish surveillance drones equipped with heat sensors that first detected the wreckage.
73 Teams Deployed for Rescue Operation
The accident occurred in the forests of Arasbaran, known for its treacherous mountain peaks and presently enveloped in bitter cold and dense fog, which severely limits visibility. Iran dispatched 73 different teams to the crash site immediately after news of the hard landing. Concurrently, Russia sent a 50-person expert search team, which, alongside detection devices and dogs, succeeded in reaching the site. This began the somber process of recovering bodies from the debris. The Iranian Red Crescent, a human rights organization, confirmed the deaths of all nine passengers in the helicopter crash.
Accident or Conspiracy?
The narrative of President Raisi's helicopter crash and subsequent rescue operations is known. But the story takes a turn as the incident isn't seen only as an accident but also viewed with suspicion, particularly because of Iran's hostile relations with Israel. Speculation abounds across social media and other platforms, speculating about Israeli intelligence's possible involvement in Raisi's death. The question remains, could Mossad be responsible for the Iranian president's helicopter crash?
Reason for Suspicion #1 - Sour Iran-Israel Relations
Posts on social media platforms cast doubt on the nature of Raisi's helicopter crash, suggesting that Israel employed space laser technology to bring it down. The incident has reignited tensions in the Middle East. Iran has always supported and equipped Hamas to attack Israel, further straining relations.
Israel vs. Iran: A Deep-Seated Conflict
And to add, on October 7 last year, Iran was accused of being behind Hamas's attack on Israel, which significantly increased tensions, putting the countries at odds. Not only is Iran a backer of Hamas but also Hezbollah in Lebanon and other organizations, which has consistently soured its relationship with Israel. This is why many suspect Israeli involvement in the crash.
Reasons for Suspecting Israel Cannot be Ignored
While evidence is vital for conclusively implicating Israel, the suspicions raised regarding the circumstances surrounding President Raisi's death in the helicopter crash cannot be dismissed. Investigations will undoubtedly ensue, but in the meantime, the tensions in the Middle East are palpable and will remain until any conspiracy theories are definitively debunked.
The Last Images of the Helicopter
These are possibly the last known images of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi, taken in his helicopter just hours before the crash, en route to the Azerbaijan border with his Foreign Minister Hussein Amir Abdullahian and other key Iranian leaders. The American-made Bell-212, deemed highly secure, failed shortly after these pictures were recorded. In a matter of hours, what followed rendered even the quest for external images of the helicopter an impossible task.
