Iran President Ebrahim Raisi tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province on Sunday, as reported by Iranian media. The helicopter, carrying President Raisi and his foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, disappeared over a mountainous region.
Iran’s state television confirmed that there were no signs of life among the passengers of the helicopter. “Upon discovering the helicopter, there was no indication that the passengers had survived,” stated the state TV.
This unfortunate event occurred amidst heightened regional tensions, especially in the context of the Gaza conflict and Iran’s recent confrontations with Israel. President Raisi, who assumed office in 2021, had expressed unwavering support for Palestine, a commitment he reiterated during a recent inauguration speech at a dam.
Videos shared by Iran state media depicted the leader aboard the helicopter on Sunday. The footage captured President Raisi gazing out of a window as the camera revealed several high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, seated across from him.
Lebanon and Syria have commenced a period of mourning lasting three days following the deaths of Iran’s President and Foreign Minister:
Lebanon and Syria announced three days of national mourning on Monday for the Iranian President and Foreign Minister, who were killed in a helicopter crash overnight near the Azerbaijan border, reported news agency Reuters.
Iran holds significant influence in both countries, backing the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and supporting Syria’s government and security forces throughout more than a decade of war.
Saudi Arabia extends its condolences to Iran following the passing of President Raisi:
Saudi Arabia extended its condolences to Iran on Monday following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, reported news agency AFP.
In a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler, expressed their sympathies to the acting head of the executive authority, Mohammad Mokhber. They conveyed their condolences for the loss of President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions.