Iranian Pres. Raisi Dies in Helicopter Crash
The Facts
Iranian Pres. Ebrahim Raisi, 63, died on Sunday in a helicopter crash in the country's remote northwestern province of East Azerbaijan.
All passengers aboard the aircraft were killed, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the provincial governor, and the representative of the Iranian supreme leader in East Azerbaijan.
The Spin
Pro-Iran narrative
The tragic death of Pres. Raisi and his companions in this helicopter crash has shocked the entire world. While Iran and its allies mourn his loss, it's also time to remember his legacy. Under Raisi, Iran was able to continue its growth even as America launched a maximum-pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic. Furthermore, he bravely fought Western arrogance and hegemony at the international level to help build a multipolar world.
Anti-Iran narrative
Though the presidential role in Iran is mostly symbolic, the death of Raisi will likely trigger an internal power struggle within the regime at a time when the country is in complete chaos. Iran faces a crisis-hit economy and is mired in a regional war, while its main rivals are discussing deepening ties to counter Iran. At home, few are mourning the death of an unpopular leader, who was best known for his disdain for human rights.
