Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi Dies in Helicopter Crash

On Sunday night, it was reported that the leader of Iran was caught in a devastating helicopter crash that claimed his life and others in a mountainous region.

A senior Iranian official who led the massive search and rescue operation revealed that the lives of Ebrahim Raisi and his Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were in danger.

Also, Ahmad Vahidi, Iran's interior minister, attributed bad weather to the crash that claimed the life of their President, which happened about one month after Iran launched a missile and drone attack on Israel. Iran's official media reported the helicopter crash as accidental.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the entire Iranian army were called upon for the rescue mission by the chief of staff of the Iranian military.

It was reported that more than 65 search and rescue teams, medical personnel, and drones were sent to the area around Jolfa, about 375 miles northwest of Tehran, close to the border with Azerbaijan. 

Unfortunately, the rescue attempts were delayed by the thick fog and difficult terrain, causing the helicopter searches to stop until sunset.

President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter went out of radar in what state media called an "accident," leaving Iran in a state of confusion as search and rescue crews searched a mountainous foggy area on Sunday.

The helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi (63 years old), Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (60 years old), and other crew members lost contact in East Azerbaijan province.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, told Iranians "not to worry" about the Islamic Republic's leadership, claiming that "there will be no disruption in the country's work.".

As Muslims prayed for Raisi's safe return, he stated in a nationally televised speech, "We hope that Almighty God will bring our dear president and his companions back in full health into the arms of the nation."

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, expressed gratitude to "governments and international organisations for their sympathy and offer of help in the search and rescue operations."

State television first reported in the afternoon that "an accident happened to the helicopter carrying the president" in the Jolfa region.

"The harsh weather conditions and heavy fog have made it difficult for the rescue teams to reach the accident site," said one broadcaster as the massive search effort continued into the night.

– Intense Search For Survivor –

Iran's cabinet held an emergency meeting led by Vice President Mohammad Mokhber after the incident, IRNA reported.

According to the Tasnim news agency, two helicopters in Raisi's convoy had "reached their destination safely."

The IRNA news agency reported that more than 60 rescue teams using search dogs and drones were sent to the mountainous protected forest area of Dizmar near Varzaghan.

– Election Around The Corner –

According to Iran's constitution, the vice first president serves as interim President for a brief period following the death of the President. Then, within 50 days, a fresh presidential election must be scheduled. Until a new election is held, Mohammad Mokhber will continue to lead Iranian governance.

Just before midday on Monday, Ali Khamenei declared five days of mourning and recognised First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as the acting head of the nation's executive branch. He will be expected to supervise the planning of an election that should happen by July at the latest. 

The top nuclear negotiator for Tehran, Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri, has been named acting Foreign Minister.

What Is Brent Crude Oil Selling Today?

Today's live Brent crude oil spot price is $83.48 per barrel.