The tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has cast a dark shadow over Iran. Raisi and a delegation of Iranian officials were returning from a visit to Azerbaijan when their helicopter made a hard landing in severe weather conditions in Azerbaijan's mountainous region. Despite rescue efforts, all on board, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, perished. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has called for national prayers, and a five-day mourning period has been declared in the country.
The crash has left the Iranian leadership in disarray. According to the Constitution of the Islamic Republic, the First Vice President, Mohammad Mokhber, will assume presidential duties for the next 50 days. During this period, a council comprising leaders of the legislative and judicial branches will organize the election of a new president. The loss has also elicited international reactions, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressing their condolences and emphasizing Raisi's dedication to fostering strong Iran-Russia relations.
Raisi, who has been President since 2021, was deeply intertwined with Iran's political and clerical spheres. Known as an ultra-conservative and a staunch opponent of Israel, Raisi had promised to tackle poverty and corruption. Under his leadership, Iran supported Hamas in the Gaza war and engaged in military actions against Israel. His presidency saw an attempt at rapprochement with Saudi Arabia, which stalled due to rising tensions in the region.
Born in 1960 in Mashhad, Raisi quickly climbed the ranks of Iran's judicial system and was often associated with significant events in Iran's history, including the mass executions of Marxists in 1988. He denied responsibility for these acts. Raisi was closely aligned with Supreme Leader Khamenei, who appointed him to lead the powerful Astan Kods Rasawi Foundation in 2016. He had been on the US sanctions list since 2019 due to alleged human rights violations.
The news of Raisi's death has sent shockwaves across the globe. Khamenei reassured the nation that there would be no power vacuum, despite the severe blow to the government. The crash occurred while Raisi was carrying out official duties in Azerbaijan, marking an abrupt end to his significant, though controversial, political career.
- Raisi’s helicopter crashed in a rugged region, making rescue operations immensely challenging. The area’s fog, rain, and rocky terrain of over 70 meters height added to the difficulty. Despite using drones and search dogs, the search radius was eventually narrowed to 2 kilometers.
- The international community has been closely following the developments. The European Union activated the Copernicus satellite system at Tehran’s request, and countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Turkey offered assistance. The White House also monitored the situation, highlighting the geopolitical implications of Raisi's death.
- Ebrahim Raisi’s political career was marked by both his clerical and judicial work. He served in several key judicial roles before becoming president. His closeness to Supreme Leader Khamenei and his significant role in the Revolutionary Court made him a central figure in Iran’s power structure.
- During his presidency, Raisi faced numerous protests and tensions, both domestically and internationally. His strong stance against Israel, his efforts to fortify ties with allies, and his controversial human rights record were defining aspects of his leadership.
