Iranian President Raisi, foreign minister die in helicopter crash

Iran helicopter crash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border. The wreckage of the helicopter, which crashed in mountainous terrain amid harsh blizzard conditions, was discovered after an extensive overnight search.

Among the passengers were several dignitaries, including Iran's East Azerbaijan Province Governor Malek Rahmati and Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem. Sadly, all aboard perished in the crash.

Images from the crash site depicted the helicopter engulfed in flames after colliding with a mountain peak, though the official cause of the accident remains undisclosed. The helicopter in question was reported to be a US-made Bell 212.

President Raisi, aged 63, assumed office in 2021 and during his tenure, implemented stricter morality laws, suppressed anti-government demonstrations, and actively engaged in nuclear negotiations with global powers.

In the wake of the tragedy, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reassured the nation of the continuity of state affairs.

Rescue efforts faced formidable challenges due to inclement weather and treacherous terrain. Despite valiant efforts by rescue teams battling blizzards, no survivors were found among the wreckage.

The nation mourned President Raisi with prayers held across the country, while rescue teams persisted in their search efforts through the night.

Several countries, including the UAE, Iraq, the US, China, and the European Union, expressed their concerns and offered assistance. The White House confirmed President Joe Biden's awareness of the incident, while China and the EU pledged support through emergency satellite mapping technology.

The ill-fated journey occurred as President Raisi, accompanied by Amirabdollahian and others, was returning from a ceremony marking the inauguration of a dam on Iran's border with Azerbaijan. Tragically, the helicopter crashed during its landing in the Varzaqan region on Sunday.