Who is Ebrahim Raisi, the hardline President of Iran? | Global Updates

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi Dies in Helicopter Crash

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, a revered and controversial figure, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash during bad weather on Sunday. The 63-year-old leader, known for his hardline stance and involvement in the mass execution of prisoners in 1988, was traveling in the far northwest of Iran following a visit to Azerbaijan when the crash occurred.

Raisi, who was once sanctioned by the US for his role in the so-called Death Panel that sentenced thousands of prisoners to death, was seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His administration was marked by mass protests and a crackdown on dissent, including the violent aftermath of the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.

The president supported Iran’s aggressive actions, including launching a drone and missile attack on Israel amid its conflict with Hamas. Under his leadership, Iran enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels and hindered international inspections. Additionally, Iran provided support to Russia in its war on Ukraine and armed proxy groups in the Middle East.

Despite his controversial past, Raisi won the presidency in 2021 in an election with the lowest turnout in Iran’s history. He was considered a major figure in Iranian politics and religion, but faced criticism for his hardline policies. With his untimely death, Iran now faces uncertainty regarding its future leadership and the direction of its domestic and foreign policies.