Iran's President Helicopter Crash - What are the conspiracies surrounding the tragedy?

A helicopter transporting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, along with the foreign minister and several other officials, purportedly crashed in the mountainous northwest of Iran on Sunday. This incident triggered a sizable rescue effort amid dense fog and forested terrain.

Subsequently, officials verified that no survivors were discovered at the crash site. The crash has prompted a significant international response, with condolences pouring in and political repercussions felt globally.

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi helicopter crash news updates

1. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, along with the country's foreign minister and several others, was discovered deceased at the site of a helicopter crash following an extensive search in a foggy, mountainous region of northwest Iran, as reported by state media.

2. The state-run IRNA news agency reported that alongside President Raisi were Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, the governor of Iran's East Azerbaijan province, and additional officials and bodyguards.

3. Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences, stating, "India stands with Iran," following the tragic passing of President Ebrahim Raisi. Modi highlighted Raisi's contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between India and Iran and extended heartfelt condolences to Raisi's family and the people of Iran.

4. Political uncertainty in major oil-producing nations contributed to an extension of oil price gains on Monday following the demise of Iran's president.

5. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was en route from Iran's East Azerbaijan province when the helicopter experienced what state TV described as a "hard landing" near Jolfa, a city bordering Azerbaijan. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the exact location of the incident.

6. The White House confirmed President Biden's cancellation of his weekly vacation and return to the White House in response to the helicopter incident involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

7. Iran's Press TV confirmed the deaths of all passengers aboard the crashed helicopter, including President Raeisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials.

8. Pakistan announced a day of mourning and lowered flags to half-mast as a mark of respect for President Raisi and his companions, emphasizing their friendship and solidarity with Iran.

9. Hamas expressed gratitude for the efforts of President Raisi and others in supporting the Palestinian nation following their tragic demise.

10. Iran's Supreme Leader paid tribute to Ebrahim Raisi's passing with a post featuring a photo of himself with Raisi and a brief message referencing Imam Reza, a revered figure in Shia Islam.

11. State media reported that the bodies of President Ebrahim Raisi, his foreign minister, and other officials killed in the helicopter crash had been transported to Tabriz.

12. Pir Hossein Kolivand, head of the Islamic Republic Red Crescent Society (IRCS), announced the conclusion of the search and rescue operation and the recovery of the bodies, which were sent to East Azerbaijan province for burial.

13. The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi lowered its flag to half-mast to honor the deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi, the Foreign Minister, and other officials in the helicopter crash.

14. Russian President Putin conveyed condolences to Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi, expressing fond memories of him.

15. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Kazakhstan's capital Astana to discuss the helicopter crash in Iran.

Officials who Died in the Helicopter Crash with Ebrahim Raisi

• Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian

• East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati

• Representative of the Iranian supreme leader in East Azerbaijan Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem

• Head of presidential guard Mehdi Mousavi

• The helicopter’s pilot, co-pilot, and crew

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Who is Mohammad Mokhber, Iran's Interim President after Ebrahim Raisi's Death?

In the event of the president's demise while in office, Article 131 of Iran's Constitution stipulates that the first vice president assumes the role of acting president, pending confirmation by the supreme leader.

1. Mohammad Mokhber currently serves as the first vice president of Iran and is part of a council tasked with organizing a new presidential election within 50 days of the president's death, alongside the speaker of Parliament and the head of the judiciary.

2. Born on September 1, 1955, Mokhber shares a close relationship with supreme leader Ali Khamenei, holding a significant position in Iranian governance. He assumed the role of first vice president in 2021 following Raisi's presidency.

3. Mokhber played a role in negotiations with Moscow in October, facilitating agreements for providing surface-to-surface missiles and drones to Russia's military. This delegation included officials from Iran's Revolutionary Guards and the Supreme National Security Council.

4. Previously, Mokhber headed Setad, an investment fund associated with the supreme leader, facing EU sanctions in 2010 for alleged involvement in nuclear or ballistic missile activities. However, he was removed from the list in 2012.

5. In 2013, the US Treasury Department sanctioned Setad and its affiliated companies. Established under an order by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Setad manages properties abandoned after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with proceeds directed towards charitable causes.

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List of other leaders who died in air crashes

1. Sebastian Pinera (2024):

   • Former President of Chile.
   • Died in a helicopter crash in southern Chile, February 2024.
   • Served two non-consecutive terms.
   • Second term saw significant social unrest in 2019 over inequality and cost of living.
   • Faced criticism for handling protests and alleged human rights abuses.

2. General Zia-ul-Haq (1924-1988):

   • Sixth President of Pakistan.
   • Died in a plane crash near Bahawalpur.
   • Crash cause controversial; theories include mechanical failure, sabotage, conspiracy.

3. Lech Kaczynski (1949-2010):

   • President of Poland.
   • Died in a plane crash near Smolensk, Russia.
   • Delegation was en route to commemorate the Katyn massacre.

4. Ramon Magsaysay (1907-1957):

   • Seventh President of the Philippines.
   • Died in a plane crash on Mount Manunggal in Cebu.
   • Known for strong anti-communist policies and dedication to democracy.

5. Juvenal Habyarimana (1937-1994):

   • President of Rwanda.
   • Died with Burundi's President Cyprien Ntaryamira in a plane shot down near Kigali.
   • Incident triggered the Rwandan genocide.

6. Samora Machel (1933-1986):

   • President of Mozambique.
   • Died in a plane crash near the Mozambican-South African border.
   • Cause disputed; some allege South African involvement.

7. Bingu wa Mutharika (1934-2012):

   • President of Malawi.
   • Died of a heart attack on the way to a hospital in Lilongwe after bad weather diverted his helicopter.

8. Hafez al-Assad (1930-2000):

   • President of Syria.
   • Died in a plane crash near Damascus under mysterious circumstances.
   • Officially attributed to a heart attack while piloting.

9. Leon M’ba (1902-1967):

   • First President of Gabon.
   • Died in a plane crash off the coast of Gabon.

10. Ibrahim Nasir (1926-2008):

    • Second President of the Maldives.
    • Died in a helicopter crash on a private visit to an uninhabited island.

11. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq (1924-1988):

    • Sixth President of Pakistan.
    • Died in a C-130 Hercules crash after takeoff from Bahawalpur.
    • Cause unclear; theories include mechanical failure and sabotage.
    • Came to power through a 1977 coup; imposed martial law and suppressed opposition.

12. Rashid Karami (1987):

    • Frequent Prime Minister of Lebanon.
    • Died in a helicopter bomb explosion en route to Beirut, June 1, 1987.
    • Promoted stability and unity during the Lebanese Civil War despite controversies.

13. Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco (1967):

    • 26th President of Brazil.
    • Died in a mid-air collision involving his Piper PA-23 Aztec and a Brazilian Air Force Lockheed T-33.
    • Presidency marked by political repression and groundwork for Brazil's prolonged authoritarian rule.

14. Abdul Salam Arif (1966):

    • Second President of Iraq.
    • Died in a plane crash near Basra on April 13, 1966.
    • Succeeded by brother Abdul Rahman Arif.
    • Key figure in the 1958 revolution; presidency marked by political instability

The sudden loss of President Ebrahim Raisi and key officials is a significant blow to Iran, prompting a period of national mourning and global condolences. The ramifications of this tragic event will likely be felt across the region, influencing both political and economic landscapes

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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