EC News Desk

May 19, 2024, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran – In a tragic incident, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and several senior officials were killed in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province. The helicopter went down in the Dizmar forest, located between the cities of Varzaqan and Jolfa, after an event with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.

The crash claimed the lives of:

– *President Ebrahim Raisi*
– *Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian*
– *East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati*
– *Representative of the Iranian Supreme Leader in East Azerbaijan, Mohammad Ali Al-e Hashem*
– *Presidential Guard Mahdi Mousavi*
– The helicopter’s pilot, co-pilot, and crew

Rescuers found the crash site after a challenging search in difficult weather conditions.

In the wake of this tragedy, Iran’s vice president will assume the powers of the presidency, with new elections scheduled to be held within 50 days.

Countries across the Middle East and the world have expressed their condolences and solidarity with Iran. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his shock and sorrow, stating he was “deeply saddened” by Raisi’s death and acknowledging Raisi’s contributions to strengthening the India-Iran relationship.

“My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow,” Modi wrote on social media.