The United States extended its “official condolences” on Monday following the tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials in a helicopter crash. The incident occurred in the mountainous region of northwest Iran’s East Azerbaijan province on Sunday afternoon.
In a statement, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed sympathy for the loss, stating, “As Iran selects a new president, we reaffirm our support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
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US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also commented on the incident, noting the lack of information regarding the cause of the crash. “I can’t speculate on what may have been the cause,” Austin told reporters, adding that he did not foresee any immediate broader impact on regional security.
Under the Iranian Constitution, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will assume presidential powers. Elections are to be held within 50 days to elect a new president.
