Tragedy in the Skies: Iran's President Raisi Killed in Devastating Helicopter Crash

Live Update: Iran reels as President Raisi and senior officials die in helicopter tragedy.
President Raisi and

Source: aajtak

A harrowing incident has taken place in Iran with the loss of the Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi at the age of 63 in a helicopter crash. Iranian state media has confirmed the event, plunging the nation into deep sorrow. Along with President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the governor of East Azerbaijan Province, Malek Rahmati, and religious leader Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem have also been confirmed dead. They were all aboard the same helicopter. Press TV has reported that the rescue team has identified the wreckage of President Ibrahim Raisi's helicopter. So far, no survivors have been found.

After hours of search operations in mountainous regions during bad weather, the rescue team has identified the wreckage of the crash. The helicopter was found completely burnt, leaving no hope for any survivors. The accident occurred in the Jolfa region of the country's north-western mountainous area on Sunday. The incident occurred while President Raisi and other officials were returning from a visit to Azerbaijan. An empty chair was left for President Ibrahim Raisi at the emergency government meeting in Iran.

There were three helicopters in the presidential convoy, two of which returned safely, but the one carrying President Ibrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Governor of East Azerbaijan Malek Rahmati, and religious leader Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem did not return. Due to bad weather, it took the rescue team about 17 hours to reach the site. Mohammad Mokhber, the first vice president, could become the next president of Iran. Only after the approval of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will the next president be confirmed.

Raisi was seen as a disciple of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a potential successor within the country's Shia theocracy. Under the Iranian constitution, if the president dies while in office, the country's first vice president becomes the next president. Currently, Mohammad Mokhber is the first vice president of Iran. Ayatollah Khamenei also assured the public that this unfortunate accident will not disrupt the operations of the country.

Leaders from India, Russia, Iraq, Qatar, and other countries have expressed their condolences over the deaths of President Ibrahim Raisi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, and others in the helicopter crash. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted expressing profound sorrow and shock at the demise of President Raisi: 'The departure of Iran's President Syed Ibrahim Raisi has deeply saddened me. We will always remember his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties between India and Iran. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and the people of Iran. In this time of grief, India stands with Iran.'

What was the cause of the accident?

The actual cause of the accident will surface after the helicopter rescue operation is completed. However, initial reports by Iranian media suggest that bad weather is a likely cause. A 'hard landing' due to weather conditions is being suggested. Tehran Times reports that the accident is due to dense fog. The crash occurred near Jolfa at the border of the Azerbaijan province, approximately 600 kilometers (375 miles) northwest of Tehran, near a copper mine in Sungun. The location is between Jolfa and Varzeghan in Iran's East Azerbaijan province.

The flight on an American helicopter

It is worth mentioning that 63-year-old Ibrahim Raisi was elected as Iran's president in 2021. After taking office, he ordered the tightening of Morality Laws. During his tenure, security forces acted violently against government opposition protests. He worked hard to make Iran a nuclear-empowered nation during negotiations with the world's powerful countries. Iranian state news agency IRNA stated that Raisi was flying in an American-made Bell 212 helicopter.

Supreme Leader releases statement

After the accident, the entire nation of Iran was anxious about President Ibrahim Raisi. Following the incident, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini released a statement saying, 'We hope God will return the president and his companions to the nation's embrace. Everyone should pray for their well-being. The Iranian people do not need to worry about the accident. No work in progress in the country will be halted.' Sadly, recent information confirms the death of President Raisi in this accident.

Why did Raisi visit Azerbaijan?

In fact, Iran and Azerbaijan are building a joint dam to improve their relations. This was the third such dam, and Ibrahim Raisi had gone to Azerbaijan for its inauguration. He was invited by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the inauguration ceremony.

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