Breaking News: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Dies in Helicopter Crash

Raisi, a Hard-Line Shiite Cleric, Was Seen as a Possible Successor to Supreme Leader

Crash Occurs Amidst Political Turbulence in Iran

Tehran, Iran - Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, 63, was declared dead on Monday morning after the helicopter he was travelling in with several other officials crashed in the city of Kerman. The crash occurred at around 10:00 AM local time.

Raisi, a hard-line Shiite cleric, had been widely seen as a protégé and trusted confidant of Iran's supreme leader, 85-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Raisi became president of Iran in June 2021 after winning a historically uncompetitive presidential election.

The crash comes at a moment of turbulence for Iran, which has been facing widespread unrest over economic and political issues in recent months. Raisi's death is likely to further destabilize the situation and raise questions about the future of the country's leadership.