Iran President Ebrahim Raisi Killed in Helicopter Crash: Updates and Reactions

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi Killed in Helicopter Crash: World Leaders Mourn Loss

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi was tragically killed in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province on Sunday, sending shockwaves across the globe. The chopper carrying President Raisi and his foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian disappeared over a mountainous region, with no signs of life among the passengers, according to Iran’s state television.

The incident comes amidst heightened regional tensions, particularly in light of the Gaza conflict and Iran’s recent escalations with Israel. President Raisi, who has been in office since 2021, had pledged Iran’s steadfast support for Palestine, a stance reiterated during his recent dam inauguration speech.

Iran state media shared videos of the leader on board the chopper, showing President Raisi and other senior officials moments before the crash. The news of his death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from world leaders, with Russian President Vladimir Putin describing Raisi as an “outstanding politician” and China’s President Xi Jinping calling his death a “great loss to the Iranian people.”

The UN Security Council observed a minute of silence in memory of President Raisi and his entourage, while NATO, France, Saudi Arabia, and other countries extended their condolences to Iran. Iran’s allies in the “Axis of Resistance” also mourned the loss of President Raisi, highlighting his role as a protector of resistance movements.

As Iran prepares for a period of mourning and political transition, the world watches closely to see how the country’s foreign policy and regional dynamics may evolve in the wake of this tragic event. With funeral rites for President Raisi set to begin, the international community stands in solidarity with the people of Iran during this difficult time.