Raisi’s helicopter crash was an accident, reveals IAF initial report

TEHRAN: The Iranian Armed Forces have released an initial report on the helicopter crash that resulted in the martyrdom of President Ebrahim Raeisi and his accompanying delegation.

An investigative team sent to the crash site on Monday has gathered substantial information regarding potential contributing factors, according to the report issued on Thursday.

The report indicates that the helicopter was on its designated flight path when it crashed into mountainous terrain, igniting upon impact. There was no evidence of gunfire or other external damage found on the wreckage.

Iranian drones identified the crash site at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, and rescue teams arrived shortly thereafter. Communications between the aircraft and ground control before the incident showed no abnormalities.

The Armed Forces stressed that the investigation is ongoing, and any further findings will be shared with the public. Tehran Times published the IAF report on Friday.

The helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of President Raeisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and six others, occurred on Sunday in northwestern Iran as the officials were returning from the inauguration of a dam.

Meanwhile, in a poignant and sorrowful display, the people of Tehran gathered in overwhelming numbers to participate in the funeral ceremony for the late President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian.

The air was thick with grief as mourners from every corner of the city came together to honor their late president and foreign minister. Their presence and collective sorrow reflected a deep sense of loss and reverence for the men who had served their nation with such dedication.

The streets echoed with heartfelt tributes, as the populace expressed their profound mourning and unwavering respect for President Raisi and Minister Amir Abdollahian, according to Tehran Times.

In a stirring display of collective grief and solidarity, the streets of Tehran overflowed with mourners on Wednesday morning, an hour before the official commencement of the funeral ceremony. The unprecedented turnout was a testament to the profound impact of the late president on the Iranian people.

Long before the ceremony’s start, a sea of sorrowful citizens moved toward Tehran University, their voices echoing with chants that conveyed their deep mourning for President Raisi. From all walks of life, they gathered to offer prayers over his body, united in their grief.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, led the funeral prayers for the late president and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, with prominent Iranian officials and military commanders in attendance. The solemnity of the moment was palpable as the nation bade farewell to its esteemed figures.

Following the prayers, the funeral procession commenced from Tehran University to Azadi Square. Thousands of Tehranians, enduring hours under the scorching sun, lined the streets to pay their last respects. Heartfelt messages adorned their hands, bearing inscriptions like “I am proud that I voted for a martyr,” “We will not forget the servant of the nation,” and “Our chosen one was chosen by God.”

This historic gathering not only honored the legacy of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian but also underscored the enduring bond between the figures and the people they served with unwavering dedication.

Iranian figures praise late President Raisi’s legacy of humility and service

Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani underscored the guiding principles of the late President Ebrahim Raisi, emphasizing his dedication to serving the Iranian people.

Speaking on the sidelines of President Raisi’s funeral ceremony on Wednesday, General Ashtiani reflected on the legacy of the revered president.