Iranian President Raisi and Foreign Minister Dead in East Azerbaijan Helicopter Crash on Sunday

May 20, 2024, 05:36 AM

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian have died in a helicopter crash in the mountainous northwest region of Iran. The incident occurred on Sunday in East Azerbaijan province, specifically in the Varzaqan region near Jolfa, amid heavy fog and poor weather conditions. The crash prompted a massive search-and-rescue operation, but all passengers on board, including other officials, were found dead. State media confirmed the deaths on Monday morning, and the wreckage, which was completely burned out, was located after an overnight search. Raisi, 63, was a hardliner and potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.