Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were tragically killed in a helicopter crash amidst steep terrain and freezing conditions, multiple Iranian news agencies reported on Monday. The charred wreckage of the helicopter was discovered by search teams in the province of East Azerbaijan.
A senior Iranian official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation, confirmed, “President Raisi, the foreign minister, and all the passengers in the helicopter were killed in the crash.
According to Iran’s Mehr news agency, “All passengers of the helicopter carrying the Iranian president and foreign minister were martyred.” The helicopter, carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian, was completely burned in the crash on Sunday, as previously confirmed by an Iranian official.
While the cause of the crash has not been officially determined, State TV reported that the helicopter collided with a mountain peak.
“No trace of survivors has been found at the site of the helicopter crash,” stated Pir-Hossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), in an interview with the semi-official Tasnim news agency early on Monday.
Raisi’s death was also confirmed in a statement on social media by Vice President Mohsen Mansouri and on state television.
The helicopter, carrying President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian, crashed in the northern region of East Azerbaijan Province. All on board, including the president and foreign minister, were killed.
Kolivand reported that, following hours of intensive searching in the mountainous region of East Azerbaijan, the crash site was located.
Initial media reports indicated that one of the three helicopters in President Raisi’s convoy encountered difficulties while traveling between Khodaafarin and Tabriz. The crash occurred in the Dizmar forest and mountainous district, between the villages of Uzi and Pir Dawood, amidst heavy fog and rain.
The severe weather conditions, including thick fog and persistent rain, were attributed as the primary cause of the crash, significantly impairing visibility and flight safety.
Local media initially suggested that the helicopter made a hard landing due to adverse weather. However, subsequent reports confirmed that the helicopter had indeed crashed.
Who was on board?
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian
East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati
Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, representative of the Iranian supreme leader to East Azerbaijan
Earlier in the day, President Raisi had met with his Azeri counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, to launch a dam, marking a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Following the inauguration, Raisi was heading to visit several provinces in the north when the helicopter encountered severe fog, forcing the pilot to make a swift landing.
Iranian political analyst Mohammad Marandi noted that Raisi was known for his frequent travels across the country, aiming to visit each of Iran’s 30 provinces at least once a year. “The president was on the move, as he often is, to connect with people and address regional issues,” Marandi said.
Raisi, a potential future Supreme Leader, was elected president in 2021 and has since tightened morality laws, overseen a crackdown on anti-government protests and pushed hard in nuclear talks with world powers. In Iran’s dual political system, it is the supreme leader who has the final say on all major policies. However, many saw Raisi as a strong contender to succeed his 85-year-old mentor, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Iranian constitution states that the first vice president – currently Mohammad Mokhber – would take over the presidency with the approval of the supreme leader. In the event of the president’s death, the first vice president assumes the role and an election must be held within 50 days to elect a new president.
International reaction
Iraq Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani expressed profound sadness over the tragic news, extending heartfelt condolences to the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, and the Iranian people.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani offered his condolences on social media, asking for mercy and forgiveness for the deceased and patience for their families.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging Raisi’s contributions to strengthening India-Iran relations and extending heartfelt condolences to Raisi’s family and the people of Iran.
These reactions highlight the global impact of the tragic loss of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.
