Iranian President, Foreign Minister Killed in Helicopter Crash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday, depriving Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of a longtime ally as Tehran angles for regional dominance through armed militias that are fighting the U.S. and Israel.

Raisi’s death was announced early Monday, after state television reported Sunday afternoon that a helicopter carrying him and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian had made a “difficult landing” in northwestern Iran.

Hours after Raisi’s death was confirmed, Khamenei announced five days of national mourning and appointed Mohammad Mokhber, first vice president, as the new head of the executive branch.

Ali Bagheri-Kani, who has close family ties with Khamenei and previously led Iran’s delegation in nuclear talks with the West, was appointed Foreign Minister.