Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a key ally of the country's supreme leader who was involved in the mass executions of thousands in 1988 and later led Iran as it enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels and launched a major drone and missile attack on Israel, has died at the age of 63.
Raisi, along with Iran’s foreign minister and other officials, died in a helicopter crash on Sunday in northwestern Iran. His death comes at a time when Iran is dealing with internal unrest and strained international relations. As a cleric, Raisi was known for his religious devotion and often spoke like a preacher, rather than a politician, when addressing global audiences.
Key points:
- Follow AP’s live coverage for updates on the helicopter crash that killed Iran’s president and foreign minister.
- Raisi, seen as a protégé of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, came to power in a managed election in 2021.
- The crash also killed Iran's foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian.
- Countries including Russia, Iraq, and Qatar have expressed concern over Raisi’s death.
Raisi lost a presidential election in 2017 but became president in 2021 after a vote orchestrated by Khamenei to eliminate major opposition. His tenure saw increased tensions with the U.S. following the collapse of the nuclear deal.
In 2022, Iran saw mass protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, leading to a harsh crackdown. In 2023, Iran launched a significant attack on Israel amidst ongoing conflict.
Raisi, appointed in 2016 to run a major charitable foundation, was seen as a potential successor to Khamenei. Despite a controversial past, including his role in the 1988 executions, Raisi maintained his influence in Iran.
Born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Raisi was from a family claiming descent from Islam’s Prophet Muhammad. He leaves behind his wife and two daughters.