The helicopter crash killed the front man Ibrahim Raisi and the foreign minister.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian tragically died in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024. The helicopter went down near the town of Varzaqan in East Azerbaijan province, close to the Azerbaijan-Iran border. Preliminary reports indicate that adverse weather conditions contributed to the crash, resulting in no survivors being found at the scene.

This incident marks a significant loss for Iran, plunging the country into a state of mourning and uncertainty. President Raisi, who was in office since 2021, was known for his hardline policies and efforts to strengthen ties with non-Western allies like China and Russia. Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, appointed in 2021, played a crucial role in Iran's diplomatic engagements, including the recent restoration of relations with Saudi Arabia.

The Iranian government is expected to announce a period of national mourning and begin the process of selecting successors for these critical leadership positions. The crash also underscores ongoing challenges with air safety in the region, raising concerns about the operational standards and safety protocols for VIP transport within Iran.