Iran’s president killed in helicopter crash, election set for next month
Hossein Amirabdollahian had served as Foreign Minister since his appointment in 2021. His death, along with the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, will likely send shockwaves across the Middle East, where Iran has considerable influence.
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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreign minister and others have been found dead at the site of a helicopter crash after an hourslong search through a foggy, mountainous region of the country’s northwest, state media reported.
Here’s what to know
- Cause of crash: State TV gave no immediate cause for the crash in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province.
- Mohammad Mokhber: Iran’s first vice president is set to serve as the country’s acting president until elections are held.
- Iranian authorities have agreed to hold the presidential election on June 28 following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, the state-run IRNA news agency reports.
Update 5
test update 5
Iran sets presidential election for June 28
Iranian authorities have agreed to hold the presidential election on June 28 following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, the state-run IRNA news agency reports.
The report says acting President Mohammad Mokhber and other leaders including the head of the judiciary and parliament speaker agreed on the date. The decision must be approved by the Guardian Council, according to Iran’s constitution, which says a new election should be called within 50 days.
FILE - Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili reacts after his save during a penalty shootout at the end of the Euro 2024 qualifying play-off soccer match between Georgia and Greece at the Boris Paichadze National Stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, March 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili, File)
FILE - Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili reacts after his save during a penalty shootout at the end of the Euro 2024 qualifying play-off soccer match between Georgia and Greece at the Boris Paichadze National Stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, March 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili, File)
The IRNA report says all candidates can register from May 30 to June 3 and campaigning will be June 12 to June 27.