Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Dies in Helicopter Crash
On May 19, 2024, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and several high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, died in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran. The Bell 212 helicopter they were traveling in went down due to poor weather conditions over the rugged mountains near Tabriz. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared five days of national mourning.
The funeral procession began on May 21 in Tabriz, where tens of thousands of mourners gathered. The ceremonies will last for three days, culminating in the final burial in Raisi's birthplace, Mashhad, on May 23. Raisi, 63, was a controversial figure known for his hardline judiciary actions, including the execution of thousands of political prisoners.
The crash and Raisi’s death have provoked mixed reactions. Many in Iran mourned, while others, especially opposition groups, expressed relief. Western officials, including Britain’s Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, criticized condolences extended by some governments, highlighting Raisi’s notorious human rights record.
An investigation into the crash has been ordered, and speculation about future political ramifications and presidential elections has begun. The accident underscores gaps in Iran’s aviation safety, attributed to long-standing sanctions limiting access to spare parts and maintenance capabilities.