Who is Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s Foreign Minister who died with President Raisi in chopper crash?

Born in 1964, his fluency in Arabic and extensive diplomatic experience focused on Iran's relationships in the Middle East made Amir-Abdollahian a seasoned career diplomat with deep understanding of Iran's relationships.

Amir Abdollahian's diplomatic approach was characterized by a firm stance on Iran's relationships with the neighbouring countries, emphasising the importance of the regional ties. (X/@Amirabdolahian)

Iran’s president Ebrahim Raisi, 63, and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, 60, were killed after the helicopter flying them back to Iran from Azerbaijan crashed near the Azerbaijan-Iranian border on Sunday (May 19). This has left the country in mourning, as both men were pivotal figures in shaping Iran’s foreign policy during a critical period of regional tensions and international relations.

Amir-Abdollahian was born in 1964 in Iran’s Semnan province, and moved to Tehran with his family when he was six years old. In his memoir, Sobh-e-Sham, he described how he faced challenges while growing up in one of the capital’s poorest neighbourhoods. Despite the challenges, he went on to earn a master’s degree and PhD in international relations from the University of Tehran as mentioned on the official website of Islamic Republic of Iran, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He was fluent in Arabic, and his extensive diplomatic experience focused on Iran’s relationships in the Middle East.

He served as Iran’s ambassador to Bahrain from 2007 to 2010 and as the deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs from 2011 to 2016, as per the Iranian Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Amir-Abdollahian’s stint as Iran’s Foreign Minister

In 2021, Amir-Abdollahian’s appointment as Iran’s Foreign Minister marked a significant shift from the tenure of his predecessor, Mohammad Javad Zarif, known for his role in brokering the 2015 nuclear deal with multiple world authorities.

Amir-Abdollahian’s diplomatic approach was characterised by a firm stance on Iran’s relationships with its neighbouring countries, emphasising the importance of regional ties. He played a crucial role in navigating Iran’s response to various regional conflicts, including the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, where he held discussions with diplomats from various countries. He also met Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in February this year, according to the foreign affairs ministry.

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His leadership during times of heightened tensions, such as overseeing Iran’s response to conflicts with Pakistan, including the flare-up in 2023, showcased his work towards regional stability and security.

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The picture of the late Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian is seen during Iran’s government cabinet in Tehran, Iran (Reuters)

Amir-Abdollahian’s diplomatic strategy included endeavours to foster a détente with regional rival Saudi Arabia in 2023, which was overshadowed by escalating tensions from the Israel-Hamas conflict, according to the Ministry of Middle East Council.

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According to Reuters, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to advancing Iran’s strategic interests in the Middle East, he supported the “Axis of Resistance”, backing militant groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthi rebels of Yemen.

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