Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Killed in Helicopter Crash

May 20, 2024

12:48 AM EST

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who had been considered a top contender to succeed the nation's supreme leader, was killed on Sunday in a helicopter crash, according to state media. Raisi became president of Iran on June 19, 2021, after winning a historically uncompetitive presidential election.

Raisi, who was 60 years old, was aboard a helicopter that crashed in the southern Iranian province of Kerman. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Raisi was a close ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and was seen as his possible successor. Raisi's death is a major blow to Iran's political establishment and could lead to a period of uncertainty in the country.

Ahmad Vahidi, the Iranian defense minister, has been appointed as acting president.