Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Dies in Helicopter Crash

Iranian state media have reported the death of President Ebrahim Raisi following a helicopter crash on Sunday in a mountainous region.

President Raisi was travelling over the East Azerbaijan province in northwest Iran, returning from a visit to Azerbaijan, when the Bell 212 aircraft crashed.

The search for the wreckage was extensive and complicated by foggy weather and rain. The helicopter was eventually located in a wooded area.

Several state media outlets reported Raisi’s death on Monday morning. Shortly thereafter, a government statement confirmed the news.

“Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, and East Azerbaijan Imam Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem were also killed in the crash.”

The crash has led to a significant outpouring of grief within Iran, highlighting the critical roles played by those who perished. The nation mourns the loss of its president and other key officials, as the government begins to process this tragedy and its implications for Iran’s future leadership.