Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Dies in Helicopter Crash
May 20, 2024 9:25 am
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was killed Sunday along with his foreign minister in a helicopter crash in Iran's remote Kerman province, state media reported.
The crash occurred as Raisi was visiting the province to oversee flood relief efforts. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Raisi, 63, was a hard-line conservative who had been in office since 2021. He was known for his brutal crackdowns on political opposition and his support for Iran's nuclear program.
Raisi's death is a major blow to Iran's government and is likely to lead to a period of instability. It is unclear who will succeed Raisi as president.
The Iranian government has declared three days of mourning for Raisi and the foreign minister.
International Reaction
The international community has expressed condolences to Iran over the death of Raisi and the foreign minister. The United States, the United Kingdom, and France have all issued statements expressing their regret.
The United Nations has also expressed condolences and called for an investigation into the crash.
Impact on Iran's Nuclear Program
Raisi's death is likely to have a significant impact on Iran's nuclear program. Raisi was a strong supporter of the program, and his death could lead to a change in Iran's policy.
It is unclear who will succeed Raisi as president, and it is possible that the new president could take a more moderate approach to the nuclear program.
Conclusion
The death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is a major development with significant implications for Iran and the region. It is unclear who will succeed Raisi as president, and it is likely that Iran will enter a period of instability.
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