Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024, while traveling in the Varzaqan region of Iran. The helicopter, carrying Raisi and several other officials, went down under severe weather conditions, and rescue teams struggled to locate the wreckage due to the challenging terrain and inclement weather​ (The Times of Israel)​.
 
Raisi, who became the President of Iran in August 2021, had a long and prominent career in Iran's judiciary before entering politics. He served as the Chief Justice of Iran and held various other judicial positions. His tenure as president was marked by significant domestic and international challenges, including tensions with Israel and issues related to Iran's economic situation​ (The Times of Israel)​.
 
The crash has triggered a potential power struggle in Iran, as Raisi was considered a significant figure and a possible successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His death leaves a vacuum in the political landscape, which is expected to lead to intense competition among various factions within the Iranian government​ (The Times of Israel)​​ (ARY NEWS)​.
 
This tragic event has also raised questions about the safety and reliability of Iran's transportation infrastructure, especially for high-ranking officials. The official response and investigation into the crash will be closely watched both domestically and internationally​ (Dawn)​​ (ARY NEWS)​.
 
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