According to Iranian state media, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and several other high-ranking officials were killed in a helicopter crash in mountainous northwest Iran.
The crash came amid regional tensions from the Israel-Hamas conflict and Iran’s escalating nuclear program under Raisi.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced Iran’s first vice president would assume presidential duties until elections.
Iran has faced economic struggles and protests in recent years, complicating the political transition.
Eight people died in total when the helicopter, which had a history of safety issues due to sanctions, went down in foggy conditions.
Former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif blamed the crash on US sanctions that have restricted Iran’s aircraft parts procurement and maintenance.
“One of the main culprits of yesterday’s tragedy is the United States, which … embargoed the sale of aircraft and aviation parts to Iran and does not allow the people of Iran to enjoy good aviation facilities,” Zarif said. “These will be recorded in the list of US crimes against the Iranian people.”
The loss of top leadership leaves Iran navigating domestic unrest and foreign policy challenges.
