In a shocking turn of events, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were among the nine individuals killed in a helicopter crash in the northern province of East Azerbaijan. The incident occurred as the officials were returning from inaugurating a dam on the border between Iran and Azerbaijan.
The helicopter, carrying a delegation of provincial officials, crashed in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border. Search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site, but unfortunately, there were no survivors found among the passengers.
Akinci UAV identifies source of heat suspected to be wreckage of helicopter carrying Iranian President Raisi and shares its coordinates with Iranian authorities pic.twitter.com/0tZtMc5oaP
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) May 20, 2024
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has confirmed First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as the country’s acting president following this tragic event. In a statement, Khamenei expressed his condolences and ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
میرے قریبی دوست اور رفیق ایرانی صدر سید ابراہیم رئیسی اور ان کے ساتھ ہیلی کاپٹر میں سوار وزیر خارجہ حسین امیر عبد اللہیان و دیگر رفقاء کے قیمتی جانی نقصان پر گہرے غم، دکھ اور افسوس کا اظہار کرتا ہوں۔ محترم رئیسی صاحب کو میں نے بہت مہنتی، اصولوں کا پابند اور اسلامی دنیا کا غم… pic.twitter.com/qGON6j7ENA
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) May 20, 2024
The loss of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian is a significant blow to Iran’s leadership and the country’s diplomatic efforts. Raisi, a conservative cleric, had been serving as the country’s president since August 2021, while Amirabdollahian had held the position of Foreign Minister since August 2021.
The crash has sent shockwaves throughout Iran and the international community. World leaders have expressed their condolences and solidarity with the Iranian people during this difficult time. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and authorities have promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.
This tragic incident has left Iran in a state of mourning and uncertainty as the country grapples with the loss of its top leaders. The nation will undoubtedly come together to honor the memory of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian and to ensure a smooth transition of power during this challenging period.