A preliminary report from Iran’s military has found no evidence of foul play in the helicopter crash that killed President Ebrahim Raisi, according to state media. The investigation into the crash, which occurred in poor weather conditions near the Azerbaijan border, has so far revealed no signs of gunfire or other suspicious activity. Conversations between the control tower and the flight crew did not indicate anything unusual, the report stated. The crash, which also claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and six others, happened in a high-altitude area where the helicopter burst into flames.
President Raisi, a hardliner seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was buried in Mashhad, the Shi’ite Muslim holy city, four days after the crash. Iran declared five days of mourning in his honor. Raisi was known for implementing Khamenei’s policies, suppressing dissent, and taking a strong stance on foreign policy, particularly regarding nuclear talks with Washington. Iran’s poor air safety record, exacerbated by US sanctions preventing the purchase of new aircraft and parts, has been highlighted following this tragic incident. A presidential election to fill Raisi’s position has been scheduled for June 28.
