DUBAI: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near Azerbaijan border, officials and state media said.

Charred wreckage of helicopter which crashed on Sunday carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was found early Monday after an overnight search in blizzard conditions.

“President Raisi, foreign minister and all passengers in helicopter were killed in crash,” senior Iranian official told Reuters, asking not to be named because of sensitivity of matter.

Raisi’s death was later confirmed in statement on social media by Vice President Mohsen Mansouri and on state television. Helicopter carrying Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi takes off, near Iran-Azerbaijan Border, May 19, 2024. Helicopter with Raisi on board later crashed.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate power with final say on foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear programme, had earlier sought to reassure Iranians, saying there would be no disruption to state affairs. Several countries had expressed concern and offered assistance.

White House said US President Joe Biden had been briefed on reports about crash. China said it was deeply concerned. European Union offered emergency satellite mapping technology.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 21 2024

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