Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Confirmed Dead in Helicopter Crash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died in a helicopter accident in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border.

The wreckage of the helicopter was found early on Monday May 20 after an overnight search conducted in severe blizzard conditions.

The Iranian state news agency IRNA confirmed the information about Raisi’s death.

It was reported that all passengers onboard, including the Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, the governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province Malek Rahmati, Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Al-Hashem, the representative of the leader of the Islamic Revolution in the East Azerbaijan Province, and several others, had died in the crash.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian Supreme Leader, who holds ultimate authority over foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear program, reassured that there would be no disruption to state affairs.

During his presidency, Raisi has implemented strict morality laws, overseen a violent suppression of anti-government demonstrations, and pushed nuclear talks with global powers.

Iranian’s religious leadership faces international pressure due to concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and its deepening military ties with Russia.

Iran has aided Russia in its war on Ukraine by supplying Shahed drones, which are used to relentlessly strike Ukrainian territory and critical infrastructure.

Furthermore, analysts report that Iran has been constructing drone manufacturing facilities within Russia and Belarus.