Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a prominent hardliner and frequently mentioned as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border, officials and state media reported on Monday.
The incident occurred on Sunday when Raisi, accompanied by Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, was traveling in a helicopter that crashed in mountainous terrain. The discovery of the charred wreckage came early on Monday after a challenging overnight search operation conducted in severe blizzard conditions. The extreme weather significantly hampered the rescue efforts, making the recovery operation difficult and perilous for the search teams.
Raisi's death marks a significant moment in Iranian politics. As a staunch conservative with close ties to the country's religious leadership, he has been a key figure in the current administration and a central player in the nation's political landscape. His presidency, marked by hardline policies and a firm stance on various domestic and international issues, has been pivotal in shaping Iran's recent political direction.
The crash has also taken the life of Hossein Amirabdollahian, the Foreign Minister, further impacting Iran's political and diplomatic spheres. Amirabdollahian was a seasoned diplomat, known for his efforts in navigating the complex geopolitics of the Middle East and his role in Iran's foreign policy initiatives.
This tragic event underscores the volatility and unpredictability of life, even for high-ranking officials, and it will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for Iran's political and diplomatic future.
"President Raisi, the foreign minister, and all passengers aboard the helicopter perished in the crash," a senior Iranian official informed Reuters, requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident.
Vice President Mohsen Mansouri later confirmed Raisi's death through a social media statement, which was also broadcast on state television.
An Iranian official had previously told Reuters that the helicopter carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was completely destroyed by fire in the crash on Sunday.
Raisi had visited the Azerbaijani border on Sunday to inaugurate the Qiz-Qalasi Dam, a joint initiative. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who mentioned he had bid a "friendly farewell" to Raisi earlier that day, also offered assistance with the rescue efforts.
Rescue teams battled through blizzards and difficult terrain overnight to locate the wreckage in East Azerbaijan province early on Monday.
According to Tasnim news agency, a total of nine people were on board the helicopter. Raisi’s convoy included three helicopters, with the other two safely reaching their destination.
State TV displayed images showing the aircraft had crashed into a mountain peak, though no official cause of the crash has been provided.
Iran’s Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand reported that rescue teams were moving towards the crash site after locating the helicopter. "The helicopter has been found. Now, we are moving toward it," Koolivand stated. "We are seeing the helicopter. The situation is dire."
State TV reported that about 15 hours after the helicopter went missing, there were still no signs of survivors.
Iranian media, including Fars news agency, shared drone footage of what appeared to be the helicopter's wreckage.
State TV initially reported on Sunday afternoon that "an accident happened to the helicopter carrying the president" in the Jolfa region of East Azerbaijan province. Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi mentioned that the helicopter "made a hard landing" due to bad weather.
Raisi, aged 63, was elected president in 2021. His tenure has been marked by the tightening of morality laws, a harsh crackdown on anti-government protests, and aggressive nuclear negotiations with world powers.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority over foreign policy and the nuclear program, assured Iranians that state affairs would continue uninterrupted.
The Iranian government released a statement on Monday, asserting that operations would proceed "without the slightest disruption" following Raisi’s death. "We assure the loyal nation that the path of service will continue with the tireless spirit of Ayatollah Raisi," the statement read, emphasizing the government’s commitment to continuity.
Expressions of condolence poured in for Raisi, who was hailed as a "great friend." President Asif Ali Zardari expressed "profound shock and sorrow" over the tragic loss of his Iranian counterpart. Zardari's statement highlighted that the Islamic world had lost a remarkable leader who steadfastly supported the Muslim cause, particularly the Palestinian and Kashmiri people.
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