President Raisi’s Death: Helicopter Crash Probe Underway; Espionage Suspected from Azerbaijan Despite Bad Weather

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi met his untimely demise in a helicopter accident on Sunday. Alongside him, a total of nine individuals, including Iran’s Foreign Minister, lost their lives in the tragedy. While investigations into the cause of death are pending, the major crash site lies in Azerbaijan.

Iran maintains tense relations with its neighboring country Azerbaijan. Situated in Central Asia, Azerbaijan stands as the only Muslim nation with amicable ties with Israel. The crash site, near the borders with Azerbaijan, reportedly intersects with Mossad, Israel’s clandestine intelligence agency, active in the distant mountainous regions. Many Mossad operatives are reportedly active in the area.

Last year, Iran executed four individuals, including a woman, on charges of espionage for Israel, residing in Azerbaijan. Presently, Iran attributes the crash to adverse weather conditions.

Meanwhile, investigations into Raisi’s helicopter crash have commenced in Iran. According to the news agency IRNA, Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Mohammad Bagheri has been tasked with overseeing the probe. Brigadier Ali Abdullahi leads the delegation. They have also visited the crash site for further examination.

Navigating Adverse Weather: Why Road wasn’t an Option?

In Iran, air travel records have suffered setbacks. Recently, President Raisi undertook a flight in a Bell helicopter, over 45 years old, to circumvent restrictions imposed on the country, with his entourage not spared from these limitations. 

It begs the question, why opt for a risky flight in adverse weather conditions when a safer option like traveling by road was available? Investigations will soon reveal why Supreme Leader Khamenei’s successor, President Raisi, chose this perilous flight, despite locals affirming that Raisi could have traveled by road for up to 150 kilometers.

Rising Tensions Between Religious Leaders and Military

Following the death of the President in Iran, questions arose worldwide, particularly in countries like India and the United States, regarding who would assume power next. Indeed, Iran is currently in the midst of presidential elections. However, the decision of who will take charge after the Islamic Revolution of 1979 largely rests with the supreme leader.

The supreme leader of Iran is Ali Khamenei, whose endorsement almost guarantees ascension to power. Political stability in the country requires a delicate balance between political leaders, religious figures, and the military. Hence, there is concern that power struggles may emerge among them following his demise, raising the specter of conflict.

Who Will Succeed Khamenei?

Truly, the demise of Khamenei has created a significant void in Iran’s political landscape. Until now, he had been considered the heir apparent to Supreme Leader Khamenei, but the situation has now changed. Questions have also arisen about who will succeed him besides the president.

Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, and military leaders are speculated to play an enhanced role in the power structure. Mojtaba has been in the race for supreme leadership for the past 15 years. However, the military has expressed opposition to their influence.