Ebrahim Raisi, the President of Iran, tragically died on Sunday, May 19, 2024, due to a helicopter crash in the Varzaqan region of East Azerbaijan Province. Raisi was en route with several high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, when the crash occurred. All passengers aboard the helicopter were killed.

Ebrahim Raisi, born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Iran, had a notable career in the Iranian judicial system before becoming the country’s president. He held positions such as Deputy Chief Justice (2004-2014), Attorney General (2014-2016), and Chief Justice (2019-2021). Raisi was also known for his involvement in the 1988 mass executions of political prisoners, earning him the controversial nickname “Butcher of Tehran”.

Raisi’s presidency, which began in August 2021, was marked by a hardline stance on various issues, including nuclear negotiations with the United States and internal political dissent. His administration saw intensified uranium enrichment and a strained relationship with Western countries due to ongoing disputes over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Raisi’s tenure also witnessed significant domestic unrest, notably the widespread protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.

Following Raisi’s death, the First Vice President, Mohammad Mokhber, assumed presidential duties as stipulated by the Iranian constitution. A new presidential election is mandated to take place within 50 days to elect Raisi’s successor.