Iran President Dead in Helicopter Crash

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and others, were confirmed dead after their helicopter crashed in dense fog in a mountainous region of northwest Iran. The crash, which occurred as Raisi returned from a dam inauguration near the Azerbaijan Republic border, has left no survivors.

The incident comes during a tumultuous time in the Middle East, following Iran’s recent drone-and-missile attack on Israel and ongoing uranium enrichment tensions. Under Raisi, Iran also supplied drones to Russia and supported proxy groups in the Mideast. Raisi's death, alongside Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian, was confirmed by state media, with the Iranian Red Crescent recovering all bodies from the crash site.

Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will serve as interim leader until new elections are held within 50 days. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed condolences and announced a five-day mourning period.

Raisi’s Tumultuous Presidency

Raisi’s tenure saw major protests over economic woes and women's rights, as well as strained relations with the West due to Iran's nuclear activities. His death marks a critical moment for Iran's future, but Supreme Leader Khamenei assures continuity in governance.

The crash site, identified with the help of Turkish drone footage, showed the wreckage on a steep hillside. The cause of the crash remains unknown, but Iran's aging helicopter fleet and international sanctions complicate maintenance and parts acquisition.

Iran's cabinet has vowed to continue Raisi's policies without disruption, emphasizing stability during this period of transition.