Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi tragically passes away in a helicopter accident

State TV reports that there are no signs of life from President Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter, which has been completely burned in the crash, according to an Iranian official cited by Reuters. Unfortunately, all passengers are feared dead, the official stated.

Earlier, search teams located the crash site of the helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi, as stated by state TV. The head of Iran’s Red Crescent Society told state TV that the situation is not favorable.

The cause of the helicopter crash remains unknown, though Iran’s air transport safety record is poor, partly due to decades of US sanctions that have weakened its aviation fleet.

President Raisi was aboard a Bell 212 helicopter, according to state news agencies. However, this model has not been sold to Iran since the 1979 revolution as it was made in the US.

Past incidents involving plane or helicopter crashes have claimed the lives of previous defense and transport ministers, as well as commanders of Iran’s ground and air armed forces.

During the era of Iran’s reformist government, efforts were made to modernize the country’s aircraft fleet by negotiating a deal with the West to lift sanctions in exchange for curbing Iran’s nuclear activities and permitting international inspections. However, these endeavors stalled after President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement and reinstated sanctions.

Subsequently, reformists faced opposition and ridicule from hardliners who argued that Iran could enhance aviation safety through domestic industries and support from foreign allies.