Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian have died in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan Province. The helicopter crashed in the Dizmar forest between Varzaqan and Jolfa on Sunday while returning from a dam inauguration ceremony on the Aras River, attended by Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
Also on board were East Azarbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, Tabriz Friday Prayers leader Seyyed Mohammad Ali Al-e Hashem, bodyguard Mahdi Mousavi, and the helicopter crew. All passengers were killed in the crash.
Following the announcement, the Iranian cabinet, led by Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, held an emergency session and extended condolences to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and the Iranian nation. The government assured that President Raeisi’s path would continue without disruption to the country’s administration. Ayatollah Khamenei reassured the nation, stating that there would be no disruption in the country’s affairs.
