Unexpected and sorrowful news of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi‘s death in a helicopter accident. Here are significant highlights with critical insights about him and the sad incident:
Table of Contents
The Tragic Accident
At 63 years old, Ebrahim Raisi was flying over Iran’s East Azerbaijan province on a helicopter when it crashed in a mountainous, forested area due to bad weather. The crash claimed the lives of Raisi and other officials aboard.
Conservative and Hardline Figure
For nearly three years now, Raisi has been Iran’s president and is considered a force to reckon with. He had been eyeing reelection next year before tragedy struck.
Early Life and Education
Born in Mashhad, northeastern Iran and known as a religious center for Shia Muslims, Raisi studied religious studies at Qom City under prominent scholars like Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (his father-in-law). Wearing a black turban indicated that he comes from the lineage of Prophet Muhammad.
Legal Career and Controversial Past
Initially, he worked in several jurisdictions before relocating to Tehran, where he started his legal career as a prosecutor in 1985. In that period, some human rights organizations observed his involvement in a committee of judges that executed political prisoners.
Role in Assembly of Experts
Raisi has long served as a member of the Assembly of Experts, which is responsible for choosing a new supreme leader should the need arise.
Leadership of Astan Quds Razavi
Khamenei chose Raisi to head Astan Quds Razavi, an organization worth billions of dollars that runs charitable institutions stationed around the shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia imam.
Run for Presidency
In 2017, Raisi contested for the presidency but lost to Hassan Rouhani. He secured the position of head of the judiciary in 2019. Subsequently, he won the presidential election held in 2021 with a low turnout after most reformist and moderate candidates had been disqualified.
Staunch Rhetoric against Israel and the U.S.
Raisi was well known for his harsh words directed at either Israel or America. He denounced Israeli activities, calling upon the international community to involve itself in Palestine concerning affairs.
Response to Regional Conflicts
Raisi also fervently backed Iran’s support for political groups and militants across various parts of the Middle East, such as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, etc. In the Syrian civil war, he sided with Bashar al-Assad.
Nuclear Deal and Sanctions
He is a hardliner on Iran’s 2015 nuclear pact with world powers, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Raisi pushed the idea that Khamenei had put into practice: the “resistance” and “resilience” strategy against harsh sanctions that ensued due to the American withdrawal from the deal.
Legacy and Potential Successor
As the previous chief justice and potential successor to Ayatollah Khamenei, Raisi’s death left a gaping hole in Iran’s political landscape. His association with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and firm stand on regional and international policies characterized his tenure.
Condolences and Future Implications
The passing of President Raisi has sent shockwaves throughout Iran and globally. Iran’s future leadership is uncertain amid mourning a great loss, from within its domestic politics to foreign affairs. The ramifications are yet unknown.”
As the abrupt death of Ebrahim Raisi reminds mankind, life is fragile, and geopolitical landscapes are full of unseen dangers. Iran’s direction in the coming years will continue to be influenced by his legacy, highlighted by conservative ideals and rigid policies.