Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian lost their lives in a helicopter crash. The helicopter carrying Raisi disappeared yesterday while traversing mountainous terrain in foggy weather, and its wreckage was found in the early hours of today.
Details of the Accident and Initial Statements
A senior official, speaking to Reuters, stated, “President Raisi, the foreign minister, and all passengers aboard the helicopter died in the crash.” The wreckage of the helicopter carrying Raisi was found completely burnt. No information has been provided yet regarding the cause of the crash.
Constitutional Process in Iran
Following Raisi’s death, according to the Iranian constitution, Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is expected to assume the executive duties. According to Article 131 of the constitution, new presidential elections are required to be held within a maximum of 50 days. Elections were scheduled to be held in 2025 according to the current timetable.
Returning from Azerbaijan
Raisi had an accident on his return journey after attending the inauguration of joint projects, the Kyz Kala and Hudafarin dams, with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev along the border of the two countries. Iranians prayed for Raisi at the Imam Ali Shrine in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq, following the accident.
Who is Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi?
Ebrahim Raisi, a jurist and cleric, was born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Iran. Raisi, who rose rapidly after the revolution in 1979, held important positions such as Tehran Prosecutor and Head of the State Inspectorate Organization. Appointed as the President of the Imam Reza Shrine and Foundation in Mashhad in 2016, Raisi lost the 2017 presidential elections. However, in the 2021 elections, he became the country’s 8th President by receiving 62% of the votes.
During Raisi’s presidency, a foreign policy prioritizing relations with neighbors was pursued. During this period, relations with Saudi Arabia were restored after a 7-year hiatus. Raisi was considered a potential candidate for leadership of the country after Khamenei.
Who is Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian?
Known for his conservative identity, Hossein Amirabdollahian was born in 1964 in Semnan province, Iran. Amirabdollahian, a graduate of Tehran University’s Department of International Relations, served as Ambassador to Bahrain during former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s tenure. Appointed as the Foreign Minister in 2021, Amirabdollahian played a significant role in the reestablishment of Iran’s diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.
Cabinet Meeting in Iran
An emergency cabinet meeting was convened in Iran last night. Decisions are expected to be made regarding the new administration and the election process in the country following Raisi’s death. According to the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is expected to temporarily assume office, and new elections are planned to be held.
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