Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi tragically died in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border, as confirmed by officials and state media on Monday.
Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Iranian President Raisi life
The crash occurred on Sunday, and the wreckage, which was charred and in disarray, was discovered early Monday after an overnight search conducted under harsh blizzard conditions. The helicopter, carrying President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, was found in the East Azerbaijan province. The search operation, which involved multiple teams braving the severe weather, finally located the wreckage, confirming the worst fears.
According to Mehr news agency, the ill-fated helicopter also had on board several high-profile dignitaries, including East Azerbaijan Province Governor Malek Rahmati and Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, who is the representative of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in the East Azerbaijan province.
Cause of the Crash
The crash site revealed the helicopter had collided with a mountain peak, but the exact cause of the crash remains unknown. The aircraft in question was a US-made Bell 212 helicopter, according to the state news agency IRNA.
Footage from the crash site, broadcast on state TV, showed the devastating impact of the crash, with the helicopter's remains scattered across the rugged landscape. The Iranian Red Crescent's head, Pirhossein Kolivand, stated on state TV that no signs of life were found among the helicopter's passengers.
President Raisi, who was 63, had been elected in 2021. During his tenure, he enforced stricter morality laws, led a severe crackdown on anti-government protests, and played a significant role in nuclear negotiations with global powers. Following the crash, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reassured the nation, stating that there would be no disruption to state affairs despite this tragic loss.
Rescue efforts were particularly challenging due to the blizzard and difficult terrain. Teams worked tirelessly through the night, navigating the treacherous conditions, to reach the crash site by Monday morning. State media showed rescue teams equipped with GPS devices and torches combing the mountainside in the dark.
The international community responded with concern and offers of assistance. The UAE and Iraq were among the first to extend help for any potential rescue operations. The White House announced that US President Joe Biden had been briefed on the situation, while China expressed deep concern. The European Union offered its emergency satellite mapping technology to aid in the search and recovery efforts.
President Raisi and his colleagues were returning from a ceremony to inaugurate a dam near Iran’s border with the Azerbaijan Republic when the crash occurred. The helicopter went down in the Varzaqan region as it attempted to land, leading to the loss of all on board.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through Iran and the international community, prompting widespread mourning and condolences. The loss of President Raisi, along with other key officials, marks a significant moment of sorrow for the nation, impacting its political landscape profoundly.