Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border. The crash, which occurred after inaugurating a dam, has sparked international reactions and raised concerns over Iran’s future leadership amidst domestic unrest and geopolitical tensions.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were killed in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border on May 19, 2024, according to Iranian state media. The crash occurred while the officials, along with the governor of East Azerbaijan Province Malek Rahmati and the imam of Tabriz Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Al-e Hashem, were returning from inaugurating the Khodaafarin Dam. Thick fog and poor weather complicated rescue efforts, and after an hours-long search, the burnt wreckage was located with no survivors found.
Raisi, aged 63, was viewed as a protégé of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and considered a potential successor. Succeeding Raisi, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will serve as interim president, with a new election required within 50 days according to Iranian law.
The crash has drawn international reactions, with leaders from countries like Russia and Turkey expressing condolences. Meanwhile, the U.S. and other nations are closely monitoring the situation. Raisi’s death occurs amidst a period of significant domestic unrest and geopolitical tensions involving Iran.