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Ebrahim Raisi dead in crash: PM Modi condoles death; US reacts. Updates

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Ebrahim Raisi dead in crash: PM Modi condoles death; US reacts. Updates

President Ebrahim Raisi attends a meeting with his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev during the inauguration ceremony of dam of Qiz Qalasi, or Castel of Girl in Azeri, at the border of Iran and Azerbaijan, Sunday, May 19, 2024.(Photo: PTI)

4 min read Last Updated : May 20 2024 | 12:23 PM IST

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the country’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollhian have died in the crash, which took place on Sunday as their helicopter was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog, Reuters reported, citing an official.

The crash site of the helicopter carrying Raisi and others was located earlier today across a steep valley near an Iranian village, where “no sign of life” had been seen, the Iranian state television said.


The report added that the rescuers had yet to reach the crash site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the world leaders in offering condolences to Raisi’s family and the people of Iran. “Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow,” he said in a post o ‘X’.


Updates on Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter crash:

1) The helicopter crashed on Sunday in the mountainous northwest of Iran near Tavil village. Earlier footage released by the state media showed Raisi taking off in what resembled a Bell helicopter with a blue-and-white paint scheme. The head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, Pir Hossein Kolivand, said the helicopter was spotted about two kilometres after sunrise on Monday.


Rescue efforts delayed due to bad weather


2) A frantic search and rescue operation was launched to locate the missing persons on the helicopter. However, the efforts were complicated by dense fog in the region. The state media said that the mud and the area’s remote nature made it more difficult to reach the site.


State media releases footage of the crash site

3) Footage released by the state media showed what it described as the crash site. Another footage showed rescue teams making efforts to reach the crash site amid a dense layer of fog. Several ambulances were also seen stationed amid rain and adverse weather conditions.


How was Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter crash site located?


4) A footage from site was released by Turkish authorities, which they described as drone footage showing what appeared to be a fire in the forest. They said it was “suspected to be wreckage of a helicopter.” 


Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urges to pray for Raisi


5) Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, earlier urged people to pray for Raisi’s health. According to a statement shown on state TV, he added that there “won’t be any disruption to the country’s affairs” as a result of the incident. Raisi was seen to eventually succeed Khamenei.


6) The incident comes in the backdrop of the conflict in Gaza between Israel (backed by the United States) and Hamas, a militant organisation backed by Iran, which has resulted in large-scale destruction of Gaza and a global rift between the nations.


US monitoring situation of crash incident


7) According to NBC, The US said that it is closely monitoring the situation, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that intelligence agencies found no evidence of foul play.


Iran requests search equipment from Turkey, EU


8) To aid the rescue efforts, Iran requested a search and rescue helicopter with night vision capabilities from Turkey. Turkey’s state disaster management agency, AFAD, also informed that 32 rescue personnel and six vehicles were dispatched to Iran.


9) Additionally, the European Union also activated its rapid response mapping service following a request for help from Iran.


Where was Raisi before the crash?


10)The incident took place following Raisi’s visit to the border earlier on Sunday to inaugurate a dam with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.


What happens if Raisi is confirmed to be dead?


11) Now that Raisi is confirmed to be dead in the crash, Iran’s vice first president, Mohammad Mokhber, will take over with Khamenei’s assent, according to the Iranian constitution. The rules also mandate a new presidential election to be called within 50 days.


(With inputs from agencies)

First Published: May 20 2024 | 9:58 AM IST

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