On May 19, 2024, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi passed away tragically in a helicopter crash. Because of unfavorable weather, including a lot of fog, the incident happened in the province of East Azerbaijan’s mountainous region. In addition to Raisi, the crash also claimed the lives of East Azerbaijan Governor Malik Rahmati, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and a number of other officials and bodyguards (Malay Mail ) (Gulf Business).
Raisi had been attending an event close to the border with Azerbaijan in the East Azerbaijan province, and the helicopter was returning from this official visit. No survivors were discovered by rescue crews among the debris (Gulf Business) (TheNews). Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has declared five days of national mourning in response to the tragedy, promising the people that the government will carry on as usual (TheNews).