Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border, along with several high-ranking officials. First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is expected to assume the role of interim president.
Tehran, May 20, 2024 – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has been confirmed dead following a helicopter crash near Iran's border with Azerbaijan. The tragedy occurred as Raisi was returning home after inaugurating a dam with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev.
The helicopter, a US-made Bell 212, crashed approximately 30 minutes after takeoff from Azerbaijan. The crash was attributed to heavy clouds and dense fog, according to Iranian media reports. Those accompanying Raisi included Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, imam Seyyed Mohammad-Ali Al-Hashem, the governor of East Azerbaijan province, and other high-ranking state officials. All were confirmed dead after an hours-long search-and-rescue operation, which was hampered by thick fog and freezing temperatures.
Rescue teams, assisted by the European Union and Turkey, struggled to reach the crash site due to challenging weather conditions. They arrived 12 hours later to find the helicopter completely burnt, with debris scattered across the mountainous region.
Iran's first Vice President, Mohammad Mokhber, is expected to take over as the interim president. Mokhber, born on September 1, 1955, has a close relationship with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and became the first vice president in 2021 after Raisi's election.
The Iranian government issued a statement assuring that the country will continue to operate without disruption despite the president's death. The tragedy has sparked reactions worldwide. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sadness and shock over Raisi's demise. Oil prices have also surged due to political uncertainty in Iran, a major oil producer.
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group, mourned Raisi's death, highlighting his support for the Palestinian cause during recent conflicts with Israel.
Article 131 of Iran's Constitution stipulates that the first vice president becomes the acting president upon the president's death, pending confirmation by the supreme leader. As such, Mohammad Mokhber is poised to step into the role of acting president.
Ebrahim Raisi, who served as Iran's Chief Justice before becoming president, was known for his conservative stance and close ties with Supreme Leader Khamenei. His death marks a significant moment for Iran, potentially impacting both domestic politics and international relations.
The nation now looks to its leadership to navigate through this period of uncertainty and maintain stability amidst the loss of its president.
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