Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian perished in a helicopter crash, as reported by state media on Monday.
All Aboard Martyred
The semi-official Mehr News agency reported that “all passengers of the helicopter carrying the Iranian president and foreign minister were martyred.”
Tragic Return from a Dam Inauguration
Raisi was on his way back from inaugurating a dam near the Azerbaijan Republic border when the helicopter crashed while attempting to land in northern Iran’s Varzaqan region on Sunday evening, according to IRNA, the state news agency.
Additional Casualties
Apart from the president and the foreign minister, nine other individuals, including East Azarbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, lost their lives in the crash, as reported by the Tasnim News Agency.
Convoy of Three Helicopters
The president’s convoy comprised three helicopters, with two successfully landing, according to Tasnim.
Communication Lost Mid-Flight
Communication with Raisi’s helicopter was lost about 30 minutes into the flight, as stated by Iran’s Vice President for Executive Affairs Mohsen Mansouri. Raisi was en route to Tabriz to inaugurate an oil project.
Weather and Terrain Challenges
Difficult weather and rugged terrain impeded search and rescue operations, noted Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps chief, Pirhossein Koulivand.
Wreckage Captured by Drone
Drone footage broadcasted on state media FARS News Agency revealed the helicopter’s wreckage on a steep hillside.
Global Condolences
Indian Prime Minister
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences on social media platform X, highlighting Raisi’s “contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered.”
Venezuelan President
Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro honored Raisi as an “extraordinary leader.”
Former Iranian Foreign Minister
Former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif also expressed his sorrow over the loss of the president and others in the crash.
Impact on National Security
Ali Ahmadi, an executive fellow at the Geneva Center for Security Policy, mentioned on CNBC’s “Street Signs Asia” that the consequences of this incident are likely to be limited. He noted that Raisi was a relatively marginal figure in national security decisions, which are mainly controlled by the Office of the Supreme Leader and the Iranian military.
Raisi’s Political Career
Ebrahim Raisi, aged 63, was a hardline conservative politician who became president in 2021 after an unsuccessful attempt in 2017. He was considered a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.