In a grim turn of events that has stunned the Islamic Republic of Iran and the wider Middle East, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, alongside six others, perished in a helicopter crash. The incident occurred in foggy conditions in a mountainous region of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province.
The Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei swiftly appointed Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as the caretaker president. In the streets of Tehran, the usual rhythm of life carried on, but the air was thick with the presence of security forces. Public emotion erupted in Vali-e-Asr square, with hundreds of mourners gathered, manifesting their grief through displays of Iranian pride and solidarity with Palestine.
Mohammad Beheshti, a mourner, expressed the sentiment pervading the crowd, “We were shocked that we lost such a character, a character that made Iran proud, and humiliated the enemies.”
The helicopter crash extinguished the lives of all on board a Bell aircraft, a remnant from purchases made in the early 2000s.Western sanctions have posed maintenance challenges for Iran’s fleet, as highlighted by former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif’s accusations against the United States. He pointed out that embargoes on aircraft and aviation parts have contributed to the tragedy.
Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group highlighted the multifaceted nature of the accident, pointing to the possibility of human error and the role of the weather, despite the undeniable impact of sanctions on Iran’s aviation capabilities. Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace analyst, raised concerns over Iran’s reliance on the black market for parts and questionable maintenance capabilities for such aged aircraft.
International reactions to the loss were swift and diverse. From Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russian President Vladimir Putin, world leaders expressed their condolences. Putin remembered Raisi “as a true friend of Russia,” and leaders from Turkey, and Syria also reached out in sympathy.
The deaths arrive at a time of escalating tensions, with Iran’s involvement in various regional conflicts, including its backing of Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel, and its support to Russia in the Ukraine war. Raisi, known for his hardline stance, had seen his presidency marked by deteriorating Western relations and internal unrest over economic woes and women’s rights, highlighted by the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini.
Amirabdollahian played a role in the nuclear deal talks and regional diplomacy, particularly in seeking détente with Saudi Arabia. Iran is currently experiencing a period of uncertainty, not just in terms of leadership but also in its diplomatic approach and internal stability. The issue of succession is looming, with Khamenei at 85 years old and only two people having held the supreme leader’s position since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Relevant articles:
– ‘No sign of life’ at crash site of helicopter carrying Iran’s president, others, apnews.com, 05/20/2024
– Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, a hard-line diplomat, dies in a helicopter crash, The Associated Press, 05/20/2024
– Live updates: Iran’s president and foreign minister killed in helicopter crash, The Associated Press, 05/20/2024
– Iran’s president dies in helicopter crash; Michael Cohen’s cross-examination wraps up, NPR, 05/20/2024
– Live updates: Iran President Ebrahim Raisi dead in helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan Province, CNN, 05/20/2024
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