Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Top Officials Die in Helicopter Crash
Desk Report, May 20, 2024: In a tragic incident, all passengers aboard a helicopter, including Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, have perished in a crash in northwest Iran. State media outlet Press TV confirmed the devastating news, reporting that President Raisi was accompanied by Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, East Azarbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, East Azarbaijan Imam of Friday Prayer Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, and several other officials.
The helicopter crash, which has plunged the nation into mourning, occurred in the northwest region of Iran, leading to the untimely deaths of some of the country’s top officials. Vice President Mohsen Mansouri solemnly confirmed the death of President Raisi, invoking a traditional Islamic expression of mourning: “To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.”
According to constitutional protocol, Vice President Muhammad Mukhbar is expected to assume the role of acting president. He will hold this position until a new president is elected within the stipulated 50-day period.
The impact of this catastrophic event has been felt globally. The White House confirmed that U.S. President Joe Biden has curtailed his vacation and returned to Washington, D.C., in response to the incident.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow and shock at the sudden demise of President Raisi. In a statement on his official ‘X’ handle, PM Modi acknowledged Dr. Raisi’s significant contributions to strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Iran. He emphasized that Dr. Raisi’s legacy would endure and extended heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran, affirming India’s solidarity with the nation during this period of mourning.
The loss of President Raisi and other senior officials marks a significant tragedy for Iran and has elicited condolences and expressions of solidarity from leaders worldwide.
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