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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, considered a hardliner and a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border on Sunday. Poor weather conditions led to the crash, and the wreckage was found on Monday after a grueling overnight search in blizzard conditions.
Supreme Leader Khamenei announced that First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will serve as interim president. A new presidential election must be held within 50 days, with all candidates requiring approval from the Guardian Council.
The crash also claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, the governor of East Azerbaijan Province, and a senior imam from Tabriz city. Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has been named the acting foreign minister. The helicopter involved was a U.S.-made Bell 212, and its impact against a mountain peak resulted in the fatal incident.
Footage from the crash site showed debris strewn across a foggy hillside, with Red Crescent workers seen transporting bodies on stretchers. The crash’s exact cause is still unknown, but Iran’s aircraft maintenance has been hampered by years of sanctions.
The tragic accident comes amid significant internal unrest in Iran over various political, social, and economic issues. Internationally, Iran faces challenges regarding its nuclear program and deepening military ties with Russia. Tensions in the Middle East have also escalated following the intensified conflict between Israel and Hamas in October.
Leaders from neighboring countries and allies, including Saudi Arabia, Syria, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, and Pakistan, extended their condolences. Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to Raisi as “a true friend of Russia” and discussed strengthening bilateral relations with interim President Mokhber. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep sorrow over Raisi’s death.
In contrast, the exiled opposition group, the National Council of Resistance of Iran, labeled Raisi’s death as a “monumental and irreparable strategic blow” to the regime. Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels also mourned his passing.
Raisi, who was 63, became president in 2021 and was known for his strict enforcement of morality laws and a crackdown on anti-government protests. His tenure also involved pushing hard in nuclear negotiations with global powers. His untimely death leaves a significant void in Iran’s political landscape amid ongoing domestic and international challenges.
Rescue operations faced severe weather and challenging terrain to recover the wreckage, emphasizing the crash’s severity. Nationwide prayers were held in Raisi’s honor, with the country’s national broadcaster focusing on the unfolding tragedy.
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