Iranian President Ebrahim Raise dies in a helicopter crash
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash. The reports on this were confirmed Monday morning by Iranian Vice President for Executive Affairs Mohsen Mansouri. Earlier, Raisi's death was reported by the head of the Iranian Red Crescent, Pir Hossein Kolivand. Along with the president, the Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian also died.
Kolivand stated that all passengers and crew of President Raisi's helicopter perished in the crash.
Reports of the Iranian president's death also appeared in Iranian media.
"No signs of life," reported Iranian state television Monday morning. Moments earlier, a representative of the Iranian authorities told Reuters that "President Raisi's helicopter was completely burned in the crash... unfortunately, all passengers are feared dead."
He added that the helicopter completely burned out during a "hard landing."
Helicopter crash in Iran
The helicopter had a "hard landing" en route from the Azerbaijan border. The last communication with the aircraft was recorded near a copper mine in northwestern Iran.
In addition to Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Governor of East Azerbaijan Malik Rahmati, and Imam from Tabriz Mohammad Ali Al-Hashem were also onboard the helicopter.
Raisi and other officials participated in a ceremony to inaugurate a dam on the Aras River. The Iranian politician met with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, there.
Iranian media covered scenes from places of worship where Iranians were praying for Raisi. A call for prayer also appeared on the president's official social media profile.
