President of Iran Killed in Car Accident

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Dies in Helicopter Crash

Tragedy struck Iran on Sunday as President Ebrahim Raisi lost his life in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran. The crash claimed the lives of all eight passengers on board, including the country’s foreign minister and other officials.

The cause of the crash remains unknown, with the helicopter falling in mountainous terrain amidst sudden, intense fog. The challenging conditions faced by aircraft operators in Iran, due to Western sanctions limiting access to parts and safety checks, have raised concerns about aviation safety in the country.

Mourners gathered in downtown Tehran on Monday to pay their respects to Raisi, holding posters and praying for the departed leader. Raisi, a hardline student of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, was known for his involvement in overseeing thousands of slayings, as well as leading Iran’s efforts in enriching uranium and launching attacks on Israel.

Following Raisi’s untimely death, Khamenei appointed Mohammad Mokhber as acting president, with a new presidential election expected to be called within 50 days according to the country’s constitution.

Raisi’s controversial past, including his involvement in the death commissions responsible for thousands of executions, has drawn criticism from human rights groups and led to sanctions from the United States. Despite his presidency being marked by continued oppression and violence, state-run media in Iran referred to Raisi as a martyr while serving the nation.

As the nation mourns the loss of its leader, activists abroad have condemned Raisi’s presidency as a period of heightened state repression and violence against dissent. With Raisi survived by his wife and two daughters, the future of Iran remains uncertain as the country prepares for a new chapter in its leadership.