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Let's Talk About the Iranian President's Death
Uncovering both sides' reactions to President Raisi's Death
Kartik Vyas
May 23, 2024
What happened that led to this death?
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash on May 19th . He was returning from a dam opening near Iran’s border with Azerbaijan. The crash also killed Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and six others on board. It led to many reactions and theories about the Islamic Republic's future and its tense relations with the West. Raisi was a supporter of Hamas and his sudden death could cause chaos in the already volatile Middle East.
How has mainstream media been covering this story?
What is the left saying?Many on the left are reacting to President Raisi’s death with a mix of grief and relief. They also focus on the Iranian leadership: Raisi's nearly two-decades-old Bell 212 helicopter crashed in fog. The crash happened in the mountainous region in northwest Iran. But, former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif pointed out that Western sanctions force Iran to fly without proper aviation parts and safety checks. “One of the main culprits of yesterday’s tragedy is the United States, which embargoed the sale of aircraft and aviation parts to Iran and does not allow the people of Iran to enjoy good aviation facilities.” After President Raisi's death, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei appointed the VP as the caretaker president. He also called for fresh elections within 50 days. But that’s not the full picture. Jamal Abdi, president of the National Iranian American Council, a Washington-based Iran advocacy expressed concerns about the leadership crisis. He worries that the election might deepen the legitimacy crisis. “The divides between state and society will only deepen if the Guardian Council only approves a narrow list of conservative regime insiders to run for the Iranian presidency.” The left views that the crash further complicates Iran’s political landscape, dominated by conservative hardliners. | What is the right saying?The right is highlighting Raisi’s brutal past. They argue that Iran will continue its aggressive policies. Raisi had a notorious reputation. He got it from his role in the massacre of 5,000 Iranian political prisoners in 1988 and the 2019 crackdown on protesters. Alireza Nader, a Washington-based expert on Iran’s regime, stressed Raisi’s brutal past and how his death is a major blow to the Iranian regime. ”Rasisi was one of the most evil men serving one of the most brutal regimes in existence today. The people of Iran will never forget his crimes…Raisi’s death is a big blow for the despised and vulnerable regime.” Former 3-time CIA station chief, Dan Hoffman, says that Iran will keep supporting Hamas and taking adversarial stances against Israel and the United States. He says Raisi was a top contender to succeed the supreme leader. But, he did not have the same influence on policy. ”I think we’re going to see the continuation of…domestic repression, support to Hamas and their so-called axis of resistance against Israel and the United States.” The right believes that Raisi’s death may lead Iran to deepen its alliances. It may strengthen its relations with Russia, China, and North Korea. This would further isolate it from the West. |
Let’s Seek Common Ground, What Are The Facts?
President Ebrahim Raisi and other key officials died in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024.
Raisi was returning by helicopter from East Azerbaijan province. He had inaugurated the Qiz-Qalasi Dam there.
The helicopter faced difficulties in heavy fog and rain, leading to a 'hard landing' according to Iranian authorities.
Iran declared five days of mourning. Vice President Mohammad Mokhber has been appointed as the interim president.
Our Thoughts
The Iranian President Raisi’s helicopter crash death is more than just an internal issue for Iran. With the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, many conspiracy theories about the crash have emerged. These include US sanctions and Israel’s revenge for Iranian drone strikes earlier this year. The name of the supreme leader’s son has also come up. Many considered him a top contender to succeed the supreme leader, along with Raisi. Iran has conspiratorial politics. And it remains unclear how it will affect the country's relations with the world, especially the US and Israel.
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