Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were killed on Sunday when their helicopter collided [1] with a mountain in the treacherous terrains of East Azerbaijan province. The accident, which claimed the lives of all aboard, occurred amid severe weather conditions, challenging the rescue teams who only reached the wreckage early Monday.
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.
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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.
Khamenei declared five days of national mourning on Monday and confirmed that First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will serve as the interim head of the executive branch during this critical period. Supreme Leader Khamenei expressed his deep condolences to the Iranian populace, marking a somber moment for the nation: “I announce five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear people of Iran.”
Under the Iranian Constitution, specifically Article 131, the country must now prepare for a presidential election within the next 50 days. This election will determine Raisi’s successor. The constitution mandates that a council, comprising the First Vice President, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Head of the Judiciary, oversees this transition.
Mohammad Mokhber, who stepped into the role of First Vice President in 2021 following Raisi’s election, is tasked with coordinating the election efforts. Known for his close ties to Khamenei, Mokhber’s interim leadership will be pivotal in maintaining stability and steering Iran through these upcoming electoral proceedings.