Northwest Iran — In a tragic incident, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and all other passengers aboard their helicopter have perished following a crash in the mountainous terrain of northwest Iran. The accident, which occurred amidst heavy fog on Sunday, triggered a large-scale search operation lasting more than 12 hours until the wreckage was discovered early Monday morning.
Executive Vice President Mohsen Mansouri confirmed the devastating news, referring to the late 63-year-old president as a “beacon of hope.” In a heartfelt statement, Mansouri said, “On behalf of myself and other members of the government, I offer my condolences to the Supreme Leader, the Leader of the Revolution, and the people for the tragic loss of Ayatollah Raisi and his companions, who have attained martyrdom.”
Ebrahim Raisi: A Profile of Iran’s Late President
Ebrahim Raisi, a hard-line cleric closely aligned with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, rose to prominence following a landslide victory in the presidential elections. Born in 1960 in Mashhad, home to Iran’s holiest Shia Muslim shrine, Raisi began his religious studies at a seminary in Qom at the age of 15. His political journey began in the revolutionary fervour of 1979 when he participated in protests against the Western-backed Shah.
Following the Islamic Revolution, Raisi joined the judiciary, serving as a prosecutor in several cities under the mentorship of Ayatollah Khamenei, who became Iran’s president in 1981. Raisi’s presidency was marked by significant challenges, including widespread anti-government protests in 2022 and ongoing demands for an investigation into his alleged involvement in the mass executions of political prisoners in the 1980s.
Hossein Amirabdollahian: Iran’s Diplomatic Voice
Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, also among the deceased, played a crucial role in shaping Iran’s foreign policy. Known for his diplomatic acumen, Amirabdollahian worked tirelessly to represent Iran on the international stage, navigating complex geopolitical landscapes and fostering relations with numerous countries.
Impact and Condolences
The deaths of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian have left a significant void in Iran’s political and diplomatic spheres. Messages of condolence have poured in from leaders worldwide, expressing solidarity with the Iranian people during this time of mourning.
For more details on this developing story, watch the BBC News YouTube.
Further Reading
