The Iranian government has confirmed the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, 63, following a helicopter crash on Sunday, May 19, in the East Azerbaijan Province, northwest of Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian along side seven others also lost their lives in the crash.
According to multiple reports, Malek Rahmati, governor of East Azarbaijan province; and Hojjatoleslam Al Hashem, Tabriz Friday prayer leader, were among the seven people killed in the crash.
This is coming weeks after Iran launched a reprisal missile attack on Israel as a response to Israel fatal strike on its diplomatic compound in Damascus.
In 2021, Ebrahim Raisi was elected president of Iran in what was widely viewed as a notably uncompetitive race.
Before his presidency, he held the role of chief justice, during which time the country experienced heightened suppression of opposition amid widespread protests led by younger generations against the ruling clerics.
Occupying a critical position within Iran’s governmental framework, Raisi was considered the second-most powerful official, subordinate only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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The national constitution stipulates that the first vice president will assume presidential duties with the Supreme Leader’s approval in the event of the president’s death.
This story is developing…
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