Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister died in a helicopter crash, news agency Reuters said quoting an Iranian official. Raisi was 63.
Earlier, Iranian state media outlet Press TV reported on Monday morning that there were no indications of survivors at the crash site located in the rugged northwestern region of Iran.
The helicopter, carrying Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other unidentified officials, crashed on Sunday due to heavy fog on its way back from a visit to the border with Azerbaijan. Initial reports indicated that rescue teams had reached the crash site, prompted by the detection of fuel odours in the area.
Who Was Ebrahim Raisi, Late President Of Iran
Raisi was Iran's one of the most conservative leaders who began his presidential tenure in 2021 after a landslide electoral victory. His strict and heavy enforcement of Islamic laws, particularly regarding women's attire and behaviour, drew both support and criticism. Raisi is believed to be close to Iran's Supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who has the last and final say in all matters of the country.
Raisi's involvement in repressive measures, including the enforcement of draconian laws and alleged participation in mass executions of Marxists and leftists during his tenure as deputy prosecutor of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran, has sparked heavy condemnation from human rights groups. His tenure was marred by reminders of Iran's darker periods of repression, including the notorious "death committees" of 1988.
Apart from that, Raisi was also considered a close contestant to take over the reins as Iran's Supreme leader after Ali Khamenei.
Events Leading To Raisi's Death
According to Reuters, the crash site was identified as the wreckage of a US-made Bell 212 helicopter. State news agency IRNA confirmed Raisi's presence on the helicopter and provided insight into the aircraft's make and model.
A local news agency revealed that a Turkish drone had detected a heat source suspected to be the wreckage of the helicopter. The coordinates of this possible crash site were subsequently shared with Iranian authorities.
Following the reports of a "foul smell" at the crash site, authorities swiftly dispatched the Iran Red Crescent to investigate. On Monday, Pirhossein Koolivand, the chief of Iran's Red Crescent, confirmed that Raisi's helicopter had been located, but he expressed grim concerns about the situation, describing it as "not good".
Iran Red Crescent: “No sign of life” after President Raeisi's copter crash pic.twitter.com/qRE7Fz7EAP
May 20, 2024"The helicopter has been found. Now, we are moving toward the helicopter," Koolivand was quoted as saying by news agency AFP, adding "the situation is not good".
What's Next
As per Iran's constitution, the presidency now goes to Mohammad Mokhber, the first vice president.
Article 131 of the Islamic Republic's constitution outlines the procedure in such an event, mandating a council comprised of the first vice president, the speaker of parliament, and the head of the judiciary to arrange for a new presidential election within a maximum period of 50 days. With Raisi's unexpected passing, this process is set into motion, potentially leading to a new leader by early July.
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