Thursday, February 6, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi Confirmed Dead

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi is dead following a helicopter crash. Iranian state television and semi-official news outlets IRINN and Mehr News confirmed the news.

The helicopter, carrying Raisi and eight others, crashed in the remote, mountainous East Azerbaijan Province on Sunday. 

Rescuers faced challenging conditions, including dense fog and extreme cold, in their search for survivors. 

No survivors were found at the crash site according to CNN reports.

The helicopter crash occurred during a tense period in the Middle East, with ongoing conflict in Gaza and recent escalations between Iran and Israel. 

Just weeks ago, Iran launched a drone-and-missile attack on Israel in retaliation for a strike on its diplomatic compound in Damascus.

Raisi
New image of wreckage of Iranian president’s helicopter, which left no survivors. PHOTO/IRAN STATE MEDIA

Iran-Israel Conflict

The region is currently witnessing an intense conflict in Gaza, and there have been recent escalations between Iran and Israel.

Just weeks ago, Iran launched a drone-and-missile attack on Israel, which was in response to a deadly strike on Iran’s diplomatic compound in Damascus.

President Ebrahim Raisi, a hardline conservative, became Iran’s eighth president in 2021.

His election was marked by its lack of competitiveness, with many of his potential rivals either disqualified or withdrawing under pressure.

Prior to his presidency, Raisi served as Iran’s chief justice, where he built a reputation for his staunch conservative views and his role in the judiciary’s crackdown on dissent.

Raisi’s Tenure marked with Repression and Dissent

His presidency continued this trend, overseeing a period of intensified repression against protests, particularly those led by the nation’s youth who were challenging the clerical rule of the Islamic Republic.

Raisi’s close alliance with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was well-known.


ADVERT




Also Read: Iran President Involved in a Helicopter Accident


Khamenei, who wields the ultimate authority in Iran’s domestic and foreign affairs, had a great influence on Raisi’s political trajectory.

Many observers believed that Raisi was being groomed to potentially succeed the 85-year-old Khamenei, given the Supreme Leader’s advancing age and health concerns.

The helicopter crash that claimed Raisi’s life also involved the country’s foreign minister and other key officials.

While the identities of all passengers have not been fully disclosed, the inclusion of such high-ranking individuals points to the magnitude of the loss.

Search Rescue Operations

The search and rescue operations, which continue in harsh weather conditions, are being supported by aircraft from Turkey and Russia.

With President Raisi’s death, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is next in the line of succession, though his ascension requires approval from Supreme Leader Khamenei.


Also Read: Iran Airports Resume Operations After Attack on Israel


Mokhber, who has held various government positions, including the head of the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO), is considered a trusted figure within the conservative establishment.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real time news updates!

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C

Iran
President Ebrahimi Rais in a past function. PHOTO/COURTESY

 

 

Get real time update about this post categories directly on your device, subscribe now.

William Abala

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, William Abala is an environmental Journalist, climate reporter, and fact checker with four years of professional experience in climate change, rural livelihoods, and land use change. He is also passionate about governance, politics and telling the African story that can induce audience attention and invigorate participation and interest in current affairs. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication (First Class Honors) from Chuka University, Kenya, and is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, majoring in Environmental Journalism.

Related Posts