Iran President Ebrahim Raisi, supreme leader’s protégé, dies at 63 in helicopter crash

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi, supreme leader’s protégé, dies at 63 in helicopter crash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a hard-line protégé of the country’s supreme leader, has died at age 63 in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran. The crash, which occurred on Sunday, also claimed the lives of Iran’s foreign minister and other officials. Raisi, a cleric, was a significant figure in Iran's politics, known for overseeing the mass executions in 1988 and leading Iran through heightened tensions with the West over its nuclear program. His death comes amidst internal dissent and strained international relations.
Crash Details: Raisi and other officials were found dead after a search through a foggy, mountainous region.
Political Impact: Raisi, seen as a successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was influential in Iran's recent hard-line policies.
Historical Context: Known for his role in the 1988 executions, Raisi led Iran during a period of increased uranium enrichment and a significant drone-and-missile attack on Israel.
International Reactions: Countries like Russia, Iraq, and Qatar have expressed concern over Raisi's death.

Ebrahim Raisi, a prominent cleric, was known for his significant role in Iran's politics. He oversaw the mass executions of thousands in 1988 and led Iran through a period of heightened nuclear tensions and international conflict. His presidency marked a shift towards hard-line policies, especially after the collapse of the nuclear deal with world powers.

Raisi was born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Iran. He rose to power with the backing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and held various influential positions, including head of Iran's judiciary and the Imam Reza charity foundation. Despite a controversial past, including his role in the 1988 executions, Raisi became president in a tightly controlled 2021 election.

Raisi is survived by his wife and two daughters.