The aircraft went down in between Jolfa and Varzaqan, a region on the border of Azerbaijani exclave
Nakhchivan, around 600km (375 miles) northwest of the Iranian capital Tehran.
The helicopter was carrying 63-year-old hardliner Raisi – viewed as a potential successor to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – and Iran’s foreign minister Hossein AmirAbdollahian, following a visit with the Azerbaijani president to inaugurate a new dam over the Aras River, which separates Iran and Nakhchivan.
As an emergency meeting of Iran’s cabinet was conducted, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared five days of national mourning and announced that Iran’s first vice president Mohammad Mokhber had taken over the role of acting president, and would have 50 days to call an election.
Mr Mokhber had already begun receiving calls from officials and foreign governments in Raisi’s absence, state media reported, as Iran’s cabinet vowed to follow Raisi’s path and said that, “with the help of God and the people, there will be no problem with management of the country”.
Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, will serve as the country’s acting foreign minister, state TV said. Earlier, an official with the rescue operation said “President Raisi’s helicopter was completely burned in the crash,” as they ruled out finding any survivors.
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin May 21, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin May 21, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Are we witnessing the death of distinctive British TV?
'Mr Bates vs the Post Office' was a critical smash for ITV but lost the broadcaster money. Katie Rosseinsky explains why, in an age of overseas sales, 'global appeal' is the new reality
The Independent Pride List 2024: LGBT+ people who are making change happen
Our list celebrates community's trailblazers and ambassadors
Djokovic beats Musetti in early morning five-set epic
Novak Djokovic endured a ridiculous late-night ordeal against Lorenzo Musetti to reach the fourth round of the French Open. The world number one and defending champion's match was shoved back into the early hours due to the incessant rain which has seen this tournament dubbed the \"Drench Open\".
Race against time to halt rabies spread from Ukraine
A disease that has been largely eradicated from Europe is raising its head in a war-torn country where millions of abandoned pets are running wild. Ahead of a film exposing the public health crisis, Joe Shute talks to those affected
Mandela's ANC loses grip on power in South Africa
Historic election result means party must enter coalition
Modi set for landslide Indian election victory
BJP-led alliance is projected to win more than 350 seats
Netanyahu casts doubt on latest Gaza ceasefire plan
Israeli prime minister vows to continue war until 'Hamas is destroyed' as Joe Biden urges right-wing leader to accept deal
Ticketmaster cyberattack puts data of millions at risk
Ticketmaster has been the subject of a cyberattack, with hackers allegedly offering to sell data about hundreds of millions of customers on the dark web.
Father with brain injury denied disability benefits
A man who needs full-time care after a bicycle collision left him with a traumatic brain injury has been repeatedly refused benefits by the Home Office.
Ambassador to Mexico fired after pointing gun at worker
The UK's ambassador to Mexico has been sacked after he was caught on camera aiming an assault rifle at an embassy employee on an official trip through drug cartel heartlands.