Iran President Ebrahim Raisi has tragically died in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province, according to Iranian media reports. The incident, which also involved Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, occurred as their helicopter vanished over a mountainous area.
Iran’s state television confirmed there were no signs of life among the helicopter’s passengers upon discovery.” Upon finding the helicopter, there was no indication that any of the passengers had survived,” the broadcast stated.
This unfortunate event comes amid a period of heightened regional tensions, particularly due to the ongoing Gaza conflict and Iran’s escalating disputes with Israel. President Raisi, who has been in office since 2021, had recently reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering support for Palestine during a speech at a dam inauguration.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, elections to elect Iran’s next President have been scheduled for June 28. State media also released footage showing President Raisi aboard the helicopter on Sunday. The video captures him gazing out of a window, with several senior officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, seated nearby.