Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi confirmed dead after helicopter crash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has tragically been confirmed deceased after search and rescue teams discovered the wreckage of the helicopter he was traveling in, with no survivors found.

“All passengers on board, including President Raisi and the foreign minister, have been killed in the crash,” a senior official stated on Monday.

State media outlets Tasnim and Mehr reported the fatalities of all those on the aircraft, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

Iran’s government has convened an urgent meeting in response to the news, with Raisi’s chair draped in a black sash alongside a memorial picture.

The untimely demise of the President has drawn global attention, with analysts anticipating a significant power vacuum and imminent elections for a new leader.

“The power struggle within the Islamic republic is expected to intensify following Raisi’s death,” remarked Middle East analyst Arash Azizi via CNN.

While the President’s cabinet fondly remembers Raisi as a dedicated leader, they affirm that this tragedy will not disrupt Iran’s stability.

New drone footage, captured by Iran’s Red Crescent Society and shared on state media FARS News Agency, revealed the wreckage on a steep, forested hillside, with little remaining of the helicopter except its blue and white tail.

The search for the helicopter, which went missing in the Jolfa region of East Azerbaijan province amid poor weather conditions, has been challenging, with Iranian authorities confirming the complete destruction of the aircraft.

Expressing concern and extending offers of assistance, various nations, including Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Russia, China, and Turkey, have pledged support to Iran.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey announced the dispatch of 32 mountain rescue specialists, while Russia is sending almost 50 rescuers and additional equipment to aid in the search efforts.

China, Iran’s major trade partner, assured its support and monitoring of the situation, emphasizing concern for the well-being of those aboard the helicopter.

As the world awaits further updates, Iranian authorities continue to grapple with the aftermath of the tragic accident, while global leaders closely monitor the situation for any developments.