Mourning in Iran After President Raisi's Tragic Death
Impact of Ebrahim Raisi's Death in Regional Politics
From Lebanon to Yemen via Syria, Iran's allies in the region paid tribute on Monday to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, killed the day before in a helicopter accident, hailing his commitment to the 'axis of resistance' against Israel. Powerful Lebanese Hezbollah, armed and financed by Iran, and Palestinian Hamas, its ally, have both expressed their sorrow, commending the Iranian president for his support in their struggle against Israel.
Hezbollah lauded Raisi as 'a big brother and a strong support,' emphasizing his role as a 'protector of resistance movements.' This sentiment was echoed by Hamas and other regional groups like the Yemeni Houthi rebels and Iraq’s pro-Iran armed coalition Hachd al-Chaabi, all acknowledging Raisi’s unwavering efforts in their cause.
In Lebanon and Syria, three days of mourning were declared, as both countries' leaders offered their heartfelt condolences. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad highlighted that Raisi had been instrumental in maintaining the strategic relations between Syria and Iran. Notably, this relationship has been pivotal since the start of Syria’s civil war 13 years ago. Meanwhile, the Houthi rebels in Yemen described Raisi's death as 'a loss not only for Iran but for the entire Islamic world.'
The President of Iraq, Mohamed Chia al-Soudani, and other political figures also expressed their solidarity with Iran, commending Raisi's belief that Iraq and Iran are inseparable.
The Western world sent their polite condolences, acknowledging the significant yet contentious role Raisi played in regional politics. European Council President Charles Michel and other leaders like Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares relayed their thoughts and condolences, albeit briefly. The United States has largely remained silent, reflecting the longstanding tension between Washington and Tehran since Iran's Islamic Revolution.
The helicopter crash that claimed Raisi's life also resulted in the death of Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other prominent figures. The accident occurred in a mountainous and hard-to-access area near Varzeqan in northwestern Iran. Thick fog, rain, and mud complicated search efforts, which ended with the grim discovery of the wreckage.
Following Raisi’s death, Vice President Mohamad Mojber was appointed as acting president. Per Iran's constitution, a special council consisting of him, the head of judiciary, and the Parliament Speaker will now oversee the administration until new presidential elections can be organized within fifty days.
Countries like Turkey, Russia, Pakistan, Lebanon, Syria, and Qatar have extended their condolences, with Russian President Vladimir Putin describing Raisi as 'an outstanding politician and a true friend of Russia.' Putin’s sentiments were echoed by other leaders from the Gulf States, marking an unusual tone of solidarity amid historical tensions.
Raisi's death leaves a significant power vacuum in Iran, sparking widespread speculation about his successor. Potential candidates include Ali Larijani, Hassan Rouhani, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and Mohammad-Bager Kalibaf. Goldstein, an expert on Iran, suggests that this will be a 'strength test for the system,' predicting that the leader Ali Khamenei is unlikely to appoint someone radical.
The helicopter in which Raisi was traveling was a US-made Bell 212, a relic from pre-revolution years when Iran had stronger Western ties. Despite operating for decades without manufacturer support, this helicopter model was chosen over more modern alternatives. Iran’s reliance on legacy military equipment underscores the practical and political complexities faced by the nation.
- Born in Mashad, Raisi came to power in 2021, succeeding moderate president Hasan Rouhani. He immediately took a hardline stance on Iran’s domestic and foreign policies, resisting calls for reform and clamping down on demonstrations, such as those triggered by the death of Mahsa Yina Amini.
- Minister Amir-Abdollahian, who died alongside Raisi, was a close figure within Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and had robust ties with key figures like Qasem Soleimani. His death alongside Raisi symbolizes a significant shift within the hardline leadership of Iran.
- Iran has called for national prayers, with Supreme Leader Khamenei reassuring the public of continuity in governance. In Mashad and other cities, large crowds have engaged in prayer vigils, reflecting both the respect for Raisi and the ongoing political turmoil.
- While ceremonial tributes continue, practical issues like the necessity for new leadership and the geopolitical implications of such changes are at the forefront of Iranian politics.
