Tehran: In a significant reshuffle following a tragic helicopter crash, Ali Bagheri Kani has been appointed as Iran’s acting foreign minister. This move comes after the sudden death of the former foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared a five-day period of national mourning following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of President Ebrahim Raisi. I announce five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear people of Iran,” stated Khamenei in an official announcement issued on Monday, one day after the fatal incident occurred in East Azerbaijan province.
The helicopter carrying Raisi, Amirabdollahian, and six other passengers crashed in the mountainous region near the Azerbaijan border on Sunday. The wreckage was discovered early Monday after an arduous overnight search through severe blizzard conditions. All occupants of the helicopter were confirmed dead.
President Raisi’s untimely death marks a significant moment for Iran, as he was considered a hardliner and a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Vice President Mohsen Mansouri confirmed Raisi’s death on social media, and it was also announced on state television. Khamenei expressed his condolences, referring to Raisi and his companions as martyrs.
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In response to this crisis, Iran’s government convened an extraordinary meeting involving the heads of the three branches of government. First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, expected to assume the presidency temporarily, represented the executive branch. According to the Iranian constitution, the first vice president steps in as acting president for up to 50 days, during which a new presidential election must be held with the Supreme Leader’s approval.
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The helicopter crash, involving a U.S.-made Bell 212, occurred in the Varzeqan region as Raisi was returning from an official visit near the Azerbaijan border. The incident has added to the existing turmoil in Iran, which is already facing internal dissent over political, social, and economic issues, as well as international scrutiny over its nuclear program and military alliances, particularly with Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine.
Condolences poured in from regional and international leaders, including from Syria, Egypt, India, Iraq, Pakistan, the European Union, Italy, and Russia. Iran-aligned groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi rebels also expressed their sympathies. Conversely, the exiled opposition group, the National Council of Resistance of Iran, described Raisi’s death as a strategic blow to the Islamic Republic.
Rescue teams braved harsh conditions to locate the crash site, finding no survivors. The national broadcaster interrupted regular programming for prayers dedicated to Raisi, reflecting the profound impact of his death on the nation.
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Ebrahim Raisi, elected in 2021, was known for his stringent enforcement of morality laws, a severe crackdown on anti-government protests, and his staunch stance in nuclear negotiations. His close association with Khamenei had positioned him as a likely successor to the Supreme Leader. Raisi’s administration had been marked by a consolidation of hardliner control across Iran’s government branches, contrasting with the preceding pragmatist leadership of Hassan Rouhani.
The accident occurred as Raisi was inspecting the Qiz-Qalasi Dam project near the Azerbaijan border. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who had met Raisi earlier in the day, offered his country’s assistance in the rescue efforts.
As Iran navigates this period of uncertainty, the appointment of Ali Bagheri Kani as acting foreign minister signifies a step towards stabilizing the government and continuing its diplomatic engagements amidst ongoing challenges.
