People attend a funeral ceremony for the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province. (Reuters)Iran President, Foreign Minister Death Live Updates, May 20: Thousands of Iranians turned out to mourn President Ebrahim Raisi in the city of Tabriz, after he was killed in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border, along with his foreign minister and seven others. State TV showed mourners, many of them dressed in black, beating their chests while a truck covered in white flowers carrying the caskets wrapped in the national flag was driven slowly through the crowd.
In a one-day state mourning following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the Indian national flag will be flown at half-mast all over the country today. No official entertainment will take place during state mourning, an official told PTI.The crash comes at a time when Iran is facing several challenges — with dissent over a range of political and economic issues, as well as international pushback over its support for Hamas and its deepening military ties with Russia during the war with Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the United States on Monday said it had been unable, due largely to “logistical reasons”, to accept an Iranian request for assistance after the chopper crash. The rare request from Iran, which views the United States and Israel as its main adversaries, was disclosed by the State Department at a news briefing, as per Reuters. On the contrary, Russia said it is ready to assist in Iran’s investigation into the cause of the helicopter crash that killed Raisi, state news agency RIA quoted Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu as saying.
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister crashed on Sunday as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog. (AP)
Afghan delegation to attend funeral ceremony of Iran's Raisi in Tehran
Afghanistan's delegation led by acting minister Mullah Baradar Akhund and the acting minister of foreign affairs will attend the funeral ceremony of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran on Wednesday, a Taliban government spokesperson said.
Watch | Crowds continue to swell in Tabriz
Thousands of mourners gather in Tabriz
Thousands of Iranians turned out to mourn President Ebrahim Raisi in the city of Tabriz, after he was killed in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border, along with his foreign minister and seven others. State TV showed mourners, many of them dressed in black, beating their chests while a truck covered in white flowers carrying the caskets wrapped in the national flag was driven slowly through the crowd.
Russia says after Raisi crash that US undermined aviation safety with sanctions
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, commenting on the helicopter crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, said that US sanctions had worsened aviation safety.
Iranian media reported that images from the site showed the US-made Bell 212 helicopter on which Raisi was travelling slammed into a mountain peak, although there was no official word on the cause of the crash. Iran was a major buyer of Bell helicopters under the Shah before the 1979 Islamic revolution, though the exact origin of the aircraft that crashed was not clear. Decades of sanctions have made it hard for Iran to obtain parts or upgrade its aircraft.
"The Americans disown this, but the truth is that other countries against which the United States announced sanctions do not receive spare parts for American equipment, including aviation," Lavrov said about the crash. "We are talking about deliberately causing damage to ordinary citizens who use these vehicles, and when spare parts are not supplied, this is directly related to a decrease in the level of safety."
India observes one-day state mourning | WATCH
Mourners begin days of funerals for Iran's president and others killed in helicopter crash
Mourners in black began gathering on Tuesday for days of funerals and processions for Iran's late president Ebrahim Raisi, foreign minister and others killed in a helicopter crash.
A government-led series of ceremonies aimed at both honouring the dead and projecting strength in an unsettled Middle East, as per AP.
Ali Khamenei saw Raisi as his protege. But even if he were alive, there was no certainty that Raisi would have been Khamenei’s successor as Supreme Leader. Like the last time, there would be a power struggle.
Ali Khamenei saw Raisi as his protege. But even if he were alive, there was no certainty that Raisi would have been Khamenei’s successor as Supreme Leader. Like the last time, there would be a power struggle.
Expert Explains: What President Ebrahim Raisi’s death means for Iran
The President’s position is very important in Iran, even if the Supreme Leader’s word is final. But no political or policy shocks are expected as a result of Raisi’s death. For Iran, this is a tragedy, not a political crisis, writes A K Ramakrishnan is Professor at the Centre for West Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University’s School of International Studies, and the author of US Perceptions of Iran: Approaches & Policies (2008).
Ali Khamenei saw Raisi as his protege. But even if he were alive, there was no certainty that Raisi would have been Khamenei’s successor as Supreme Leader. Like the last time, there would be a power struggle.
A drawback of Raisi’s candidature for the post was his position within the religious order. Raisi’s clerical rank of hojat-ol-Eslam was below that of an ayatollah, meaning he would have had to improve his qualifications in order to be seen as a legitimate Supreme Leader.
While Raisi’s death definitely changes the field, it is too soon to make a prediction about how the tussle to become Supreme Leader may play out. This is more so because in recent years, the once unquestionable authority of the Supreme Leader has faced challenges.
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Tricolour flies at half-mast as India observes state mourning for death of Iran’s president Ebrahim Raisi | WATCH
The Indian national flag is being flown at half-mast at all public building across the country Tuesday, as a mark of respect for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
Mourners in Tehran crowd into downtown Vali-e-Asr square following Iranian prez death
Hundreds of mourners crowded into downtown Vali-e-Asr square holding posters of Raisi and waving Palestinian flags. Some men clutched prayer beads and were visibly crying. Women wearing black chadors gathered together holding photos of the dead leader, according to AP.
Iran has offered no cause for the crash yet
Iran has offered no cause for the 'crash' nor suggested sabotage brought down the helicopter which killed the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
In Tehran, Iran’s capital, businesses were open and children attended school Monday, as per AP. However, there was a noticeable presence of both uniformed and plainclothes security forces.
EXPLAINED | With Raisi’s death, India to keep watch on how Iran’s succession plan unfolds
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a chopper crashhas come at a time when Tehran’s role in the peace and stability in the region has been under a sharp focus.
India, which considers Iran to be part of its extended neighbourhood, has been watching Iran’s dynamics in the region quite closely and cautiously.
The assessment in Delhi is that the supreme leader Ali Khamenei being the most powerful player in the Iranian establishment is around, and now he has to step in to fill the vacuum created by Raisi’s sudden demise.
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Iranian President Raisi dies: A summary
What we know about the crashed helicopter, which was carrying Iran’s president
A Bell 212 helicopter carrying Iran’s president and foreign minister crashed on Sunday, according to Iranian state media, as it flew through mountains in heavy fog. All are feared dead, an Iranian official said on Monday as search teams located the wreckage.
The civilian version of the ubiquitous Vietnam War-era UH-1N “Twin Huey,” they are in wide use globally by both governments and private operators. Read more here
Death of President Ebrahim Raisi: In Iran and beyond, what will change and what won’t
Iranian authorities have confirmed the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been quick to appoint First Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber as interim president in accordance with the Iranian constitution. The speed of Khamanei’s move is to assure the distressed Iranian nation, and also signal to the world, that Iran has the ability to absorb shocks and resolutely carry on the business of government.
Khamenei’s move will, however, not stall the questions that will inevitably arise about the reasons for the crash. The appointment of an enquiry commission can be expected. However, there will be popular speculation about whether Iran’s enemies were connected to the incident. Read the piece by Vivek Katju here
Who is Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s Foreign Minister who died with President Raisi in chopper crash?
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.
Read the full story here
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi killed in helicopter crash. Here’s what happens next
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan-Iranian border, officials said Monday morning. His passing away poses a question over the next head of state.
The Iranian Constitution outlines that it a president dies in office, the first vice president takes over. However, he would need a confirmation from the supreme leader. Iran has a dual political system, where the supreme leader — currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — holds decision-making power on all major policies.
Read full story here
Turkey says helicopter carrying Iran's Raisi did not emit any signal
The helicopter that crashed while carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday did not have its signal system turned on or did not possess such a system, Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said.
Uraloglu told reporters that since Iran fell within Turkey's area of responsibility for emergency response, authorities had checked for a signal from the helicopter upon hearing news that it had crashed. "But unfortunately, (we think) most likely the signal system was turned off or that the helicopter did not have that signal system, because those signals would definitely see those signals, but they didn't (show this time)," he said.
Who will succeed Ebrahim Raisi as President, and why his death presents a difficult moment for Iran
Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has been killed in a helicopter crash in the mountains to the northwest of the country, close to its borders with Armenia and Azerbaijan.
According to Iran’s Constitution, the First Vice President takes over in case the President dies or is incapacitated. This is Mohammad Mokhber, who was appointed by President Raisi to the post in August 2021, soon after he assumed the Presidency.
There are several appointed Vice Presidents in Iran, who serve in the Iranian Cabinet. The office of the First Vice President is considered to be the first among equals. Mohammad Mokhber will serve as President until an election to the post of President can be held, which must happen within the next 50 days.
India announces one-day state mourning on Tuesday
Following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, India announced one day's state mourning on May 21 (Tuesday).
The national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the country and there will be no official entertainment on the day.
China lost a good friend, says Xi Jinping as he mourns death of Iranian President Raisi
President Xi Jinping condoled the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash, saying China has lost a good friend as he made positive efforts to consolidate and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
In a message to Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, Xi on behalf of the Chinese government and the people of China, expressed deep condolences and extended sincere sympathies to Mokhber, the family of President Raisi, and the Iranian government and people, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
Xi said since President Raisi took office, he made important contributions to maintaining Iran's security and stability and promoting national development and prosperity. He added that Raisi also made positive efforts to consolidate and deepen the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership.
Vice Prez Mohammad Mokhber to be in charge of Iran’s executive branch, says Supreme Leader Khamenei
Following Raisi’s demise, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is set to be in charge of Iran’s executive branch as per the constitution, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said.
Israel not involved in death of Ebrahim Raisi, says official
Reuters is reporting an anonymous Israeli official as saying that Israel was not involved in the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
Hamas mourns Raisi, says he supported the group against Israel
The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas mourned the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who it said had supported the Palestinian people during the recent war with Israel, reports Reuters.
"These leaders supported the legitimate struggle of our people against the Zionist entity, provided valued support to the Palestinian resistance, and made tireless efforts in solidarity and support in all forums and fields for our people in the steadfast Gaza Strip during the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood," Hamas said.
Russian embassy expresses condolences on Raisi's death
Russia’s embassy in Tehran expressed condolences over the death of Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi, reports The Guardian. As president, Raisi supplied Russia with arms for use in its invasion of Ukraine.
Explained | Who will succeed Ebrahim Raisi as President, and why his death presents a difficult moment for Iran
Raisi's death was announced from the podium of the revered mausoleum of Imam Reza, in the President’s hometown of Mashhad. IRNA, the Iranian state news agency, said Raisi had been “martyred in the line of service”. But
Who will succeed Raisi to the Iranian Presidency? and why does this present a difficult moment for Iran? We explain.
Just in: Iran Vice President Mohammed Mokhber calls for emergency cabinet meeting
Iran Vice President Mohammed Mokhber has reportedly called for an emergency cabinet meeting, The Gaurdian reported state media as saying.
In a statement, the government extended its condolences to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Iranian nation and said it would continue to operate “without disruption”, as per Press TV.
Pakistan to observe day of mourning following death of Iranian president
Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the flag will fly at half mast as a mark of respect for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
'Express our solidarity with Iranian people and Islamic Republic': Iraq PM offers condolences
Reuters is reporting Iraq Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani statement on demise of Iranian president.
He says, 'With profound sadness and deep sorrow, we received the tragic news of the passing of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ibrahim Raisi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and their companions, due to the unfortunate plane crash incident in northern Iran. We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ali Khamenei, and to the nation of Iran, its government and people. We express our solidarity with the brotherly Iranian people and the officials of the Islamic Republic during this painful tragedy.'
Chief of Yemen's Houthi Supreme Revolutionary Committee offers condolences: 'Deepest condolences on their reported martyrdom'
Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, head of Yemen's Houthi Supreme Revolutionary Committee has condoled Raisi's demise. "Our deepest condolences to the Iranian people, the Iranian leadership, and the families of President Raisi and the accompanying delegation on their reported martyrdom. We ask God to grant their families patience and solace. Verily we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. The Iranian people will remain adhering to the loyal leaders of their people, by God's will," he posted on X.
‘Deeply saddened, shocked’, PM Modi condoles Iranian Prez Ebrahim Raisi’s death
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media X, to offer his condolences to the family of Ebrahim Raisi and affirm his support for Iran.
WATCH | Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi dies in chopper 'crash', says state media
Amir-
Questions over next head of state, imminent elections: What happens next in Iran?
Raisi's passing away poses a question over the next head of state
The Iranian Constitution outlines that it a president dies in office, the first vice president takes over. However, he would need a confirmation from the supreme leader. Iran has a dual political system, where the supreme leader — currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — holds decision-making power on all major policies.
Moreover, elections for the next president must be held within 50 days. A council of the first vice president, the speaker of parliament and the head of the judiciary are responsible for holding these elections.
Read more here.
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Who is Mohammad Mokhber, the man set to become Iran's interim president?
Here are some key facts about Mohammad Mokhber, 68, Iran's first vice president who, based on the country's constitution, is expected to become interim president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.
(Reuters)
State TV reports Iranian President has died in the crash
After Reuters, Iranian state-run television is also reporting that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died in the helicopter crash alongside foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
Who is Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi?
Raisi rose through Iran’s theocracy from hardline prosecutor to uncompromising president, overseeing a crackdown on protests at home and pushing hard in nuclear talks with world powers as he burnished his credentials to position himself to become the next supreme leader.
Elected president in a closely controlled vote in 2021, Raisi took a tough stance in the nuclear negotiations, seeing a chance to win broad relief from US sanctions in return for only modest curbs on Iran’s advanced technology.
Read more here
RECAP | Here is what we know so far about the accident
What do we know about the crashed helicopter, which was carrying Iran’s president?
A Bell 212 helicopter was carrying Iran’s president and foreign minister, as it flew through mountains in heavy fog. Reuters reports that it is a civilian version of the ubiquitous Vietnam War-era UH-1N “Twin Huey,” and is used wide use globally by both governments and private operators:
What are the helicopter’s origins? and What are its other uses? Read here.
'No sign of life detected at crash site', says Red Crescent
Earlier, the head of Iran’s Red Crescent, Pirhossein Kolivand, had told state TV, “with the discovery of the crash site, no signs of life have been detected among the helicopter’s passengers.”
On Monday morning, rescuers had spotted the helicopter from a distance of some 2 kilometers (1.25 miles), Kolivand told state media. By then, the officials had been missing by over 12 hours.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi dies in chopper ‘crash’, says official
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was died after his chopper ‘crashed’ in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran on Sunday, Reuters reported, citing an Iranian official. The country’s state television media had earlier reported that there is “no sign of life” at the crash site.