Iran says its president, Ebrahim Raisi, died in a helicopter crash.
On Monday, Iranian state television reported Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and seven other passengers were killed when the helicopter they were traveling in crash in the northwestern part of the country.
CNN notes, “In the wake of Raisi’s death, Vice President Mohammad Mokhber has been appointed as acting president.”
“Ali Bagheri Kani, who has led Iranian delegations through indirect negotiations with the United States over nuclear issues and prisoner exchanges, has been appointed acting foreign minister after the death of Amir-Abdollahian, state news agency IRNA reported,” it added.
According to Iran’s constitution, a new election must be held within 50 days.
In response to the death of Raisi and others on board, Iran is suspending art and culture activities for seven days.
Meanwhile, acting president Mohammed Mokbher held an “extraordinary meeting” with the leaders of the legislative and judiciary branches.
Raisi’s death marks the death of the second most powerful leader in Iran, after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
And it comes amid heightened tension in the region. Just weeks ago, Iran launched a missile and drone attack against Israel in response to a suspected Israeli air strike that killed two Iranian generals.
