Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister died when their helicopter crashed as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog, reports Reuters citing an Iranian official
Helicopter Crash in East Azerbaijan
A helicopter transporting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi crashed in east Azerbaijan on Sunday, confirmed by Iranian authorities. The president, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and two senior East Azerbaijan leaders were aboard.
Rescue efforts are underway, with state television reporting on the attempt to reach the crash site. Details regarding the incident remain scarce.
Ebrahim Raisi, often viewed as a protege of Iran’s supreme leader, has been a prominent figure in Iran’s Shiite theocracy. His involvement in the mass execution of prisoners in 1988 has drawn international condemnation and sanctions from the US and other nations.
Who is Ebrahim Raisi?
Raisi, a longtime prosecutor, was appointed chief justice by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in 2019. His past ties to the mass execution of political prisoners have raised human rights concerns, with Amnesty International highlighting his role in the “death commission” responsible for thousands of death sentences.
Raisi’s Presidency
In 2021, Raisi won the presidential election in a contest where his main opponents were barred from running. He campaigned on promises to address corruption and economic issues, particularly unemployment exacerbated by US sanctions.
Impact of Raisi’s Rule
Raisi’s presidency has seen tensions with the West, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program. The 2015 nuclear deal, which offered Iran relief from sanctions in exchange for limits on nuclear activities, was abandoned by the US under former President Donald Trump. Talks to revive the deal continue, with President Joe Biden cautious about lifting sanctions.
Raisi’s administration has also been marked by a crackdown on dissent, including the violent suppression of protests and human rights abuses. The death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 sparked nationwide protests, with a UN panel holding Iran responsible for her death and the subsequent violence against protesters.
Ebrahim Raisi relation with PM Modi
The diplomatic relationship between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is characterized by shared interests and bilateral cooperation. Both leaders have engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing economic relations, particularly in sectors like trade, energy, and infrastructure development. Notably, Iran and India have collaborated on significant projects such as the Chabahar Port, which holds strategic importance for regional connectivity. The relationship also encompasses talks about cultural exchanges and regional security, reflecting the longstanding cooperation between the two nations. Here are some key points regarding the Iran-India relationship during Raisi’s presidency:
Historical Ties: Iran and India share deep historical and cultural bonds that have fostered cooperation across various fields.
Economic Cooperation: Both countries have sought to strengthen trade and investment ties, focusing on sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Chabahar Port Development: The Chabahar Port project represents a major collaborative effort between Iran and India, aiming to establish a crucial trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Energy Partnership: Iran serves as a significant crude oil supplier to India, and discussions on energy cooperation have been pivotal in their bilateral relationship.
Regional Stability: Iran and India share common interests in promoting stability and security in the region, particularly in Afghanistan, leading to dialogue and cooperation on various regional issues.
Multilateral Engagement: Both nations have collaborated in various multilateral forums to address global challenges and advance shared interests.
Diplomatic Exchanges: Diplomatic interactions between Iran and India have continued under Raisi’s presidency, with high-level visits and discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new areas of cooperation.
In conclusion, despite external factors such as international sanctions and geopolitical dynamics, the Iran-India relationship has remained resilient under President Ebrahim Raisi’s leadership, driven by historical ties, shared interests, and diplomatic engagement.