On Monday, an Israeli official stated that Israel was not involved in the helicopter crash that resulted in the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and several members of his team.
“It wasn’t us,” the official who was quoted as saying, requested anonymity.
Condolences have been pouring in for Raisi from around the world, including from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as of 13:00 IST. However, Israel had not issued a formal statement acknowledging the incident.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a staunch supporter of the country’s supreme leader, who played a key role in the mass executions of thousands in 1988 and later led Iran during its uranium enrichment efforts to near weapons-grade levels and a significant drone-and-missile attack on Israel, has passed away at the age of 63.
Raisi’s unexpected demise, along with Iran’s foreign minister and other officials, occurred in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran on Sunday. This event comes at a time when Iran is grappling with internal dissent and its global relations.
Raisi’s Legacy
Initially a cleric, Raisi’s manner often resembled that of a preacher rather than a statesman, exemplified by gestures such as kissing the Quran before the United Nations.
After being defeated by the comparatively moderate Hassan Rouhani in the 2017 presidential election, Raisi eventually rose to power four years later in an election orchestrated by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to eliminate significant opposition candidates.
His ascent followed the collapse of Rouhani’s landmark nuclear agreement with global powers, triggered by former President Donald Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the accord. This action initiated a period of heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington.
