Iranian President Raisi dies in helicopter crash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreign minister and others were killed Monday morning after their helicopter crashed in dense fog in a mountainous area in the country’s northwest, state media reported.

It was initially reported that the helicopter carrying the men and their entourage made a hard landing in foggy conditions. The crash site is close to the border with Azerbaijan, where Mr. Raisi met with President Ilham Aliyev. According to local media, he was there to inaugurate the Qiz Qalasi and Khodaafarin dams.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared a five-day period of mourning after the death of Ibrahim Raisi, who had tipped Mr. Raisi, 63, as a potential successor to the supreme leader.

Among the dead was 60-year-old Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdullahian. Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency said the helicopter was carrying the governor of East Azerbaijan province and other officials and guards.

The state media announced that the election will be held on June 28 to choose the new president. Vice President Mohammad Mokbar confirmed that he would step into the role until the election. The Iranian Cabinet has also appointed Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Khani as the Acting Foreign Minister.