On May 20, 2024, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were declared dead following a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border. The helicopter, which was returning from inaugurating a joint dam project, encountered technical failure and crashed in a mountainous area.
The crash, occurring in adverse weather conditions, prompted a rescue operation involving over 2,000 personnel. The wreckage was found the next morning. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei announced a five-day mourning period.
Raisi, a hard-line cleric, was known for his crackdown on protests and political dissent. His death elicited mixed reactions in Iran, with some citizens expressing jubilation rather than sorrow. Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will temporarily manage the government, and new presidential elections are expected within 50 days.
This incident comes amid internal and regional tensions, with Iran engaged in conflicts and facing domestic unrest. The international response included condolences from some world leaders, though not without controversy.