In a somber development, Iran’s top military official, Mohammad Bagheri, initiated a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of President Ebrahim Raisi and his accompanying delegation.
Bagheri has commissioned a high-level committee to scrutinize the factors leading to the helicopter crash, as reported by the ISNA news agency.
President Raisi, a staunch conservative often regarded as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, perished in a helicopter crash amid mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border. This tragic event was confirmed by officials and state media earlier today.
The burned remnants of the helicopter, which crashed on Sunday with President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and six other individuals onboard, were discovered early Monday following an arduous overnight search in blizzard conditions.
Current Developments:
- Casualties: All nine occupants were confirmed dead; the crash’s cause remains undisclosed.
- Safety of Convoy: Two other helicopters in the convoy reached their destinations safely.
- Pakistan’s Mourning: Pakistan will observe a day of mourning, with flags at half-mast.
- Rescue Operations: Rescue teams braved blizzards and treacherous terrain, receiving international assistance in their efforts.
- Interim Leadership: First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber has been designated as interim president by Supreme Leader Khamenei.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who wields ultimate authority over Iran’s foreign policy and nuclear program, assured the populace of continuity in governance, stating that First Vice President Mokhber would assume interim presidential duties.
“I declare five days of national mourning and extend my condolences to the cherished people of Iran,” Khamenei conveyed in a statement. Mokhber, much like Raisi, is considered a close confidant of Khamenei.
According to the Iranian constitution, a new presidential election must occur within 50 days.
Images broadcasted by Iranian state television depicted debris strewn across a misty hillside, while IRNA showcased Red Crescent workers transporting a shrouded body on a stretcher. A senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that all helicopter occupants were deceased.
Among the deceased were Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian, noted for his staunch anti-Israel stance and skepticism towards the West, along with the governor of East Azerbaijan Province and a prominent cleric from Tabriz city.
Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has been appointed as acting foreign minister following Amirabdollahian’s demise, according to IRNA.
The helicopter carried nine people, as reported by Tasnim news agency. Raisi’s convoy included three helicopters, with the other two safely reaching their destinations.
An anonymous Israeli official, speaking to Reuters, denied any involvement in the crash, stating, “It wasn’t us.”
Iranian officials raised the alarm on Sunday afternoon when they lost communication with Raisi’s helicopter as it traversed a fog-enshrouded mountainous area in the Jolfa region of East Azerbaijan province.
The helicopter crashed in the Varzeqan region north of Tabriz while Raisi was returning from an official visit to the Azerbaijani border.
President Raisi had been at the border to inaugurate the Qiz-Qalasi Dam, a collaborative project with Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, who had bid Raisi a “friendly farewell” earlier that day, also offered assistance in the rescue efforts.
State media revealed that the US-manufactured Bell 212 helicopter collided with a mountain peak, though the crash’s cause remains officially undetermined. An Iranian official earlier told Reuters that the helicopter was completely incinerated in the crash.
Rescue teams braved blizzards and challenging terrain throughout the night to locate the wreckage in East Azerbaijan province by early Monday.
“Upon discovering the helicopter, there was no sign of life among the passengers,” state TV reported approximately 15 hours after the helicopter went missing.
The crash occurs amid rising unrest in Iran over various political, social, and economic issues. Iran’s clerical leadership faces international scrutiny over its contentious nuclear program and deepening military ties with Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict.
Since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, which triggered Israel’s assault on Gaza resulting in over 35,000 Palestinian casualties, confrontations involving Iran-aligned groups have flared across the Middle East.
A protracted “shadow war” between Iran and Israel surfaced last month, marked by reciprocal drone and missile strikes.
President Raisi, 63, was elected in 2021. His tenure was marked by stringent enforcement of morality laws, a severe crackdown on anti-government protests, and assertive negotiations in nuclear discussions with global powers.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sought to reassure Iranians, affirming that state affairs would remain uninterrupted following Raisi’s death.
The Iranian government will operate “without any disruption” after Raisi’s passing, as stated in a cabinet announcement on Monday.
Global Condolences:
President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan expressed deep shock and sorrow over Raisi’s death, noting that the Islamic world had lost a significant leader who empathized deeply with the global Muslim community, particularly the Palestinian and Kashmiri people.
“Pakistan mourns the loss of a great friend. Just last month, we had the honor of hosting him in Pakistan. During our discussions, he was eager to strengthen our bilateral relations,” Zardari reminisced about Raisi’s recent visit.
Highlighting Raisi’s special regard for Pakistan and its people, Zardari said Raisi would be “dearly missed and fondly remembered in Iran, Pakistan, and the Islamic World for his efforts to enhance regional and Islamic ties.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt condolences to the Iranian nation, announcing that Pakistan would observe a day of mourning with flags at half-mast.
“Had been anxiously following developments regarding the reported crash landing of President Raisi’s helicopter. Was hoping for good news. Alas, this was not to be,” the premier shared on X.
“The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage,” he added.
In another post, PM Shehbaz recalled Raisi’s and the foreign minister’s “historic visit” to Pakistan: “They were good friends of Pakistan.”
PM Shehbaz later visited the Iranian embassy to offer his condolences to Ambassador Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam.
“President Dr. Syed Ebrahim Raisi was a brilliant scholar and visionary leader. Today, Pakistan has lost a friend like Dr. Raisi, a sincere and high-quality brother. His services to his own nation as well as to the strengthening of Pakistan-Iran relations and regional cooperation will always be remembered,” PM Shehbaz stated.
Ambassador Moghaddam mentioned that Raisi had regarded Shehbaz as the “best person and friend of Iran.”
“The late President Ebrahim Raisi’s vision of strengthening and promoting Pakistan-Iran relations will be continued,” he affirmed, appreciating the premier’s visit in a separate post on X.
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, also the foreign minister, expressed profound grief over Raisi’s death, lamenting the loss of his friend and brother, FM Amirabdollahian.
“In President Raisi’s recent visit to Pakistan, he played an instrumental role in solidifying Pakistan-Iran ties,” Dar reflected.
The Foreign Office (FO) conveyed deep shock and sadness over the loss of Raisi and Amirabdollahian, recognizing their significant contributions to strengthening Pak-Iran relations and regional cooperation.
“Pakistan reiterates its commitment to furthering the bonds of friendship and cooperation with Iran, as envisioned by the late leaders. May the departed souls rest in eternal peace in Jannah,” the FO statement concluded.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also offered his condolences, cherishing his recent meeting with the Iranian president.
Former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed profound sorrow for the loss, extending heartfelt condolences to the people of Iran and the families of Raisi and Amirabdollahian.
Former president Arif Alvi expressed “deep grief, sorrow, and regret over the loss of precious lives” in the crash, remembering Raisi as a hardworking, principled leader with a profound empathy for the Islamic world.