63-year-old Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, protege of supreme leader, killed in helicopter crash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a controversial figure known for his hard-line stance and involvement in the mass executions of thousands in 1988, has tragically passed away at the age of 63. Raisi, along with the foreign minister and other officials, died in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran, leaving the country in a state of mourning.

Raisi’s presidency was marked by internal dissent and strained relations with the international community, particularly with the United States. Despite his intentions to rejoin the nuclear deal with world powers, his administration faced challenges, including pushback against international inspections of nuclear facilities and alleged sabotage campaigns attributed to Israel.

The late president’s tenure was also marred by mass protests in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, a woman detained over her hijab. The subsequent security crackdown resulted in the deaths of over 500 people and the detention of thousands more.

Raisi’s aggressive stance towards Israel was evident in the recent conflict between Iran-backed militants and Israel, culminating in an extraordinary attack on Israel using drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. The ongoing shadow war between Iran and Israel underscored the volatile nature of the region.

Born into a religious family with ties to Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, Raisi’s background as a high-ranking cleric shaped his leadership style. Despite his controversial past involvement in the “death commissions” that sentenced thousands to death, Raisi defended his actions as necessary for maintaining security and upholding human rights.

While some praised Raisi for his achievements, such as the detente with Saudi Arabia, others criticized his presidency for escalating state repression and violence against dissenters. As Iran mourns the loss of its leader, the future of the country remains uncertain, with questions arising about who will succeed Raisi and lead the nation forward.