Iranian President Killed in Helicopter Crash
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, 63, has tragically died in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province. The helicopter, carrying Raisi and other officials, went down in a mountainous and forested area amid poor weather conditions, resulting in a significant loss for the nation.
Pir Hossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), informed the news agency that “40 rapid response teams from the IRCS are currently conducting search operations” in the crash area. He noted that “weather conditions are extremely unfavorable and the terrain is difficult to navigate,” but emphasized that efforts were ongoing.
“We have utilized drones and aerial measures, but due to the poor weather conditions, aerial search operations are not feasible. The area is rugged and mountainous,” he explained. “We have also dispatched forces from specific provinces to ensure more personnel are on-site.”
An Iranian official told Reuters that the helicopter crashed while traversing mountainous terrain, endangering all onboard. “We are still hopeful, but information coming from the crash site is very concerning,” the official said anonymously. The chief of staff of Iran’s army has ordered all resources, including those of the elite Revolutionary Guard, to be deployed for search and rescue operations.
Leaders worldwide have expressed their concerns and extended condolences. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari posted on X, expressing his “deep concern” and extending his wishes for the well-being of President Raisi. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also took to X to express his anxieties and best wishes for Raisi and the Iranian nation.
A spokesperson for the US State Department said it was “closely watching” reports of the helicopter crash. Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry expressed deep concern over the incident, praying for the safety of the officials involved, and President Ilham Aliyev offered any necessary assistance.
A prominent figure in the conservative and hardline factions of Iranian politics, Raisi had served as president for nearly three years and was expected to run for re-election next year. Raisi’s presidency, beginning in 2021, was marked by a strong stance against the United States and Israel. He was a vocal critic of the 2015 nuclear deal’s collapse and a supporter of Iran’s “resistance” policy against sanctions. His administration was closely allied with the IRGC and backed various regional armed groups.
