Iranian President Raisi, Foreign Minister Killed in Helicopter Crash Near Azerbaijan Border
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a hard-liner and potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border, officials and state media reported on Monday. The wreckage, which was found early Monday after an overnight search in harsh weather, included Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and six others.
Supreme Leader Khamenei announced that First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber would serve as interim president. “I announce five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear people of Iran,” Khamenei stated. Mokhber, like Raisi, is closely aligned with Khamenei.
Under Iran’s constitution, a new presidential election must be held within 50 days. Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has been appointed as acting foreign minister.
The crash happened in the Varzeqan region as Raisi returned from an official visit to the Azerbaijan border. Footage from Iranian state television showed the wreckage on a foggy hillside, and all aboard the US-made Bell 212 helicopter were confirmed dead.
This incident occurs amid growing dissent in Iran over political, social, and economic crises. International pressures have also mounted due to Iran’s nuclear program and military ties with Russia. Following the attack by Iran’s ally Hamas on Israel, conflicts involving Iran-aligned groups have escalated across the Middle East.
Condolences have poured in from regional leaders, while Western capitals have largely remained silent. Russian President Vladimir Putin called Raisi “a true friend of Russia,” and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep shock and sadness.
