Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Found Dead in Helicopter Crash: State Media

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, along with the country’s foreign minister and other officials, were tragically found dead at the site of a helicopter crash in Iran’s northwest after an extensive search. The crash, which occurred in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, claimed the lives of several high-ranking officials, including three crew members.

The cause of the crash has not been immediately determined, but Turkish authorities provided drone footage showing a fire in the wilderness suspected to be the wreckage of the helicopter. The crash site was located about 20 kilometers south of the Azerbaijan-Iranian border on a steep mountain.

In response to the devastating incident, Iran has set the date for the presidential election on June 28, following the death of President Raisi. The acting president, Mohammad Mokhber, and other leaders have agreed on the date, pending approval by the Guardian Council.

The White House has expressed that it does not expect the deaths of Iranian officials to significantly impact the U.S.-Iran relationship. The U.S. State Department also confirmed that Iran reached out for assistance after the crash, although logistical support was not feasible due to the lack of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

As Iran mourns the loss of its leaders, international leaders and organizations have offered their condolences. Countries like Turkey, Russia, China, and Pakistan have expressed their sympathies, while organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency and the European Union have observed moments of silence in memory of the victims.

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the region, with neighboring countries like Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria declaring days of mourning. Leaders from various countries, including Egypt, India, and Afghanistan, have also extended their condolences to Iran during this difficult time.

The loss of President Raisi and other officials in the helicopter crash has not only impacted Iran but has reverberated globally, highlighting the interconnectedness of nations in times of tragedy. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing as the world mourns the untimely deaths of these prominent figures.