Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi Confirmed Dead in Helicopter Crash; First Vice President Assumes Office

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi has been confirmed dead in a helicopter crash in Iran's wild northwest region. The helicopter, which was carrying President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, crashed in poor weather conditions. The bodies of the passengers, including the president and foreign minister, were found after the crash. Rescuers from the Iranian Red Crescent had difficulty reaching the site due to dense fog, blizzards, and mountainous terrain. The cause of the crash has not been immediately determined.

President Raisi, 63, was elected in 2021 and had been implementing stricter policies during his presidency. Following the crash, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will take over, and a new presidential election will be called within 50 days according to the Iranian Constitution. The crash has occurred during a period of heightened tensions in the Middle East, including conflicts in Gaza and escalations with Israel.

Multiple world leaders, including India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russia's President Vladimir Putin, have expressed condolences for President Raisi's death. The crash of the helicopter has triggered a period of national mourning in Iran.