Last Video Shows Iranian President Raisi Inside Ill-Fated Helicopter Before Crash

A video of President Raisi before the accident has surfaced online and is being widely shared on social media platforms.

In the video, the Iranian leader can be seen looking out of the aircraft window, with other officials seated opposite him, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

The crash occurred as President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian were returning from a ceremony for the opening of a dam on Iran's border with Azerbaijan, according to state media.

According to reports, the helicopter crash was caused by heavy rains, fog, and wind. Some local media sources also suggest that the crash occurred as a result of a "hard landing."

The aircraft was carrying several other individuals, including three crew members, the governor of Eastern Azerbaijan province, an imam, Raisi's head of security chief, and a bodyguard, as reported by the IRGC-run media outlet Sepah.

President Raisi's death comes at a challenging time for Iran, amidst heightened tensions in the region, particularly due to Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Raisi's death, stating that India stands with Iran in its time of sorrow.

"Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow," he wrote on X.

In a solemn display of mourning, the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi has lowered its flag to half-mast following the tragic deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and several other high-ranking officials in a helicopter crash.

Following the tragic incident, the Iranian cabinet released a statement affirming that the government will continue to function "without any interruption."