Global Leaders Respond to President Raisi's Funeral Today

At age 63, Raisi was known for his hardline clerical stance, and his election in 2021 marked the consolidation of conservative power throughout the Islamic Republic

Iran is in mourning following the demise of President Ebrahim Raisi, who perished in a helicopter crash along with his foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, in a mountainous and wooded region of East Azerbaijan province amid dense fog. The crash also claimed the lives of six other individuals, including crew members.

President Raisi was returning to Tehran from a ceremony inaugurating a dam on the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan when the tragedy occurred.

At age 63, Raisi was known for his hardline clerical stance, and his election in 2021 marked the consolidation of conservative power throughout the Islamic Republic.

The Iranian Red Crescent confirmed on Monday that the remains of the president and other crash victims had been found, concluding the search operations.

Tasnim, an Iranian news agency associated with the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, reported that President Raisi's funeral is scheduled for today (Tuesday) at 9:30 am Iran time in Tabriz.

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, has declared five days of national mourning in light of President Raisi's passing.

Ayatollah Khamenei conveyed his profound sorrow on Monday morning for the loss of President Raisi in the incident that unfolded in Iran's East Azerbaijan province the previous day.

Allegations of US, Israel Involvement

State television in Iran reported that the helicopter collided with a mountain. Although the official cause has not been disclosed, images from ISNA, Iran's state student news agency, depicted heavy fog enveloping the crash site.

Several news sources, including Reuters, identified the helicopter as a Bell 212, a model produced in the US that was introduced in 1968 and discontinued in 1998.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's ex-Foreign Minister, suggested that US sanctions, which bar Iran from acquiring American-made aircraft, might share the blame.

In a televised interview on Monday, Zarif criticized the sanctions for depriving Iran of quality aviation facilities.

"The United States bears a significant portion of responsibility for yesterday's calamity due to its embargo on aircraft and aviation parts sales to Iran, preventing Iranians from accessing quality aviation facilities," Zarif stated.

Since the 1979 US Embassy takeover in Tehran, Iran has faced various US sanctions. These sanctions, including those affecting the aviation sector, were reinstated in 2018 after the US exited the nuclear agreement.

The Washington Institute, a US think tank, notes that Iranian airlines cannot buy aircraft with over 10% US-made components.

Military Chief Initiates Investigation

Mohammad Bagheri, Iran's Military Chief of Staff, has directed a probe into the helicopter crash, as reported by ISNA news agency.

Bagheri has called for "a high-level committee to investigate the cause of the president's helicopter crash."

Interim Leader Assumes Office, Conducts First Cabinet Meeting

Mohammad Mokhber, Iran's First Vice President, has been named Acting President of the Islamic Republic. He is slated to serve as interim president for approximately 50 days until a compulsory presidential election is held.

In his initial cabinet meeting, the acting president affirmed that the nation would persevere despite President Raisi's death.

Ali Bagheri, a seasoned nuclear negotiator and staunch critic of the West, has been appointed acting foreign minister, succeeding the late Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

Reactions from Tinubu and International Leaders

President Bola Tinubu has offered his condolences to Iran's government and people over the loss of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials in the helicopter crash.

Ajuri Ngelale, the President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, stated that President Tinubu deeply mourns the tragic event and remembered President Raisi as a fervently dedicated leader to Iran's progress.

"On behalf of Nigeria's government and people, the President extends support and prayers to the Islamic Republic during this sorrowful time."

Likewise, numerous global leaders, regional entities, and organizations have conveyed their sympathies following President Raisi's death.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his sadness over the losses, and the UN Security Council held a moment of silence in their memory.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, offered his condolences to Iran's populace.

"May the Almighty grant mercy and forgiveness to the deceased and provide their families with patience and consolation. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return," he stated.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan mentioned his country's ongoing communication and coordination with Iranian authorities, offering any needed assistance.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, China's President Xi Jinping, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the African Union, and the European Union have all responded to the incident with messages of condolence.

Speculation on Israel's Involvement

In a Monday interview with Daily Trust, 'ex-diplomat' Ambassador Suleiman Dahiru suggested that Israel's role in the crash should not be overlooked.

"It could be an internal or external act. Israel has denied involvement, possibly anticipating accusations. We should not dismiss Israel's potential involvement, recalling the external assassination of General Soleimani at Baghdad airport. If a thorough investigation is conducted, it might reveal clues about the responsible party."

Related Posts: