Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Said Dead Following Helicopter Crash
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were said dead on Monday after their helicopter crashed in the mountainous terrain of East Azerbaijan province the day prior. An Iranian official, preferring anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, told Reuters that all passengers aboard were killed in the incident. The crash site was reached by rescue teams early Monday after battling severe blizzards, revealing no survivors.
State media reported that the US-made Bell 212 helicopter was completely destroyed upon impact with a mountain peak, with images broadcast showing the wreckage. The crash has shaken Iran amid growing internal dissent and external pressures related to its nuclear program and regional military engagements.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sought to reassure the nation, asserting that state affairs would not be disrupted. Meanwhile, international reactions poured in, with offers of assistance and expressions of concern from leaders including US President Joe Biden and China. The European Union offered emergency technological support for the rescue efforts.
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