Tehran, Iran – May 20, 2024 – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were confirmed deceased on Monday after a helicopter crash in a foggy, northwestern mountainous region on Sunday. It took an hour for rescue workers searching in extremely bad weather to locate the wreckage. Investigation is still ongoing.
Initial Findings
IRNA claims that the helicopter was subjected to severe weather, including blizzards and fog, which could have contributed to the fatal incident. To get to the crash site, rescue workers—including those from the Iranian Red Crescent Society—had to face difficult terrain and poor visibility.
Although official confirmation of any casualties was not included in the initial reports, the helicopter’s severe damage—which Al Jazeera described as “completely burned”—raises questions over the safety of anyone involved.
Zarif Blames the US
According to former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the US is partially to blame for the recent crash because it has sanctions against Iran. Iran is unable to purchase new aircraft or maintenance-related parts as a result of these sanctions. Zarif feels that this is one of the reasons why Iran’s aviation facilities and equipment are not in excellent shape and contributed to the tragedy.
“One of the main culprits of yesterday’s tragedy is the United States, which … embargoed the sale of aircraft and aviation parts to Iran and does not allow the people of Iran to enjoy good aviation facilities.” “These will be recorded in the list of US crimes against the Iranian people,” – Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif
Nation in Mourning
Iran is in grief following the untimely passing of its ruler. The country has been reassured by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that the administration will carry on as usual, with the vice president taking over until new elections are held in fifty days.
International Reaction
Following this unfortunate occurrence, world leaders have sent their sympathies to the Iranian people. The entire world is now keeping a close eye on this to see how it will affect Iran’s current political and economic circumstances, especially in context of the ongoing Middle East tensions.
Uncertainties Remain
The immediate aftermath of the crash is clear with many questions remain unanswered. It is necessary to determine the accident’s cause, and it is unclear how it might affect Iran’s foreign and internal policies. We will update this evolving story as new details come to light.
