In a devastating turn of events, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and several high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Sunday evening, state media confirms Monday.
The tragic incident occurred in the mountainous East Azerbaijan province, near the border with Azerbaijan.
The helicopter, carrying Raisi and his entourage, was headed to the city of Tabriz after the president inaugurated a dam in the region. Two other helicopters accompanying the presidential chopper landed safely, but the one carrying Raisi and the officials suffered a fatal crash.
Rescue teams battled harsh weather conditions, thick fog and icy terrain, to reach the crash site. Unfortunately, all onboard were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Iranian government has confirmed the deaths and convened an emergency cabinet meeting to address the crisis. In a statement, the cabinet eulogized Raisi as a “hero and loyal friend of the Supreme Leader” and vowed to continue his legacy.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had earlier urged the nation to pray for Raisi’s safety after news of the crash broke. Raisi was seen as a potential successor to Khamenei, and his death has raised questions about the future leadership of the country.
In accordance with the Iranian constitution, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber has taken over as acting president, and a new presidential election must be held within 50 days. Mokhber chaired the emergency cabinet meeting and is expected to play a key role in navigating the country through this difficult period.
Raisi’s death has sent shockwaves throughout Iran and the international community, with many world leaders offering condolences to the people of Iran. As the nation mourns the loss of its president and top officials, attention turns to the challenges ahead and the future of Iran’s leadership.