Iran’s crash investigators have concluded that the tragic helicopter crash that took the lives of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was not due to sabotage or an attack, as some had speculated.
The Iranian military stated that there were no signs of foul play on the wreckage, which caught fire upon impact with an elevated area. Despite rumors of foreign involvement, the crash site was found with the help of a Turkish search drone, and initial investigations indicated no suspicious activity during communications between the watch tower and the flight crew.
Iran Denies Sabotage in President's Death After Helicopter Crash https://t.co/Hs1UF0AhM5 pic.twitter.com/856kl8wBjc
— JPNWMN (@JPNWMN) May 27, 2024
The helicopter, flying on a planned route, crashed into a mountain in foggy conditions while returning from an event. While the exact cause of the crash has not been determined, authorities continue to investigate.
The Iranian government quickly dismissed claims of external involvement, citing technical failure or adverse weather conditions as probable causes. This incident has reignited Iran’s history of accusing foreign entities of targeting its officials.
Critics had referred to Raisi as the “Butcher of Tehran” for his role in mass executions decades ago. Despite this controversial past, Raisi was seen as a potential successor to the Iranian Supreme Leader. He pursued several foreign policy initiatives during his tenure, including strengthening ties with countries like Russia and China.
As the investigation unfolds, it is essential to await further details before drawing conclusions about this tragic event.