Ibrahim Raisi Killed: Mere Accident or Premeditated Murder?

Ibrahim Raisi Killed: Mere Accident or Premeditated Murder?

Morenews Desk
Morenews Desk

Published: 02:10 20 May 2024

Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi was known for his tough stance and close relationship with the Supreme Leader. He was killed in a helicopter crash at the age of 63 on Sunday. Raisi was behind hundreds of executions in 1988. And he led Iran's efforts to enrich uranium, which is used to make nuclear weapons. He also oversaw the first major drone and missile strikes on Israel.

Raisi, along with the country's foreign minister and other officials, died unexpectedly in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran on Sunday (May 19). However, questions have been raised about Raisi's death in the helicopter crash. As Iran mourns, uncertainty spreads throughout the Middle East, including within the country. News The Economic Times.

President Raisi's death could trigger a power struggle within the country and have major implications for the entire Middle East. His sudden absence could upset the balance of power amid rising tensions and conflicts in the Middle East.

Officials said the accident occurred due to adverse weather conditions including rain and thick fog. But considering Raisi's controversial leadership and the challenges the country is facing domestically and internationally, it is believed that some nefarious forces could be involved. Questions have arisen as to whether domestic adversaries or countries such as Israel may be involved.

Controversy over Israel's role
Some Iranians believe Israel may be behind the crash, citing recent tensions between the two countries. Israel's intelligence agency, the Mossad, has a record of carrying out precision strikes on various Iranian military installations and nuclear facilities. But some experts consider it impossible. Because Israel and the Mossad traditionally attack military and nuclear targets, there is no evidence of involvement in political assassinations.

Experts say that attempting to assassinate an incumbent statesman or head of government is a crime akin to starting a war. Therefore, if the president of Iran is killed, it is certain that a large-scale retaliatory attack will come from Tehran.

Meanwhile, the incident of the helicopter crash could inflame regional tensions. Because Iran's allied forces stationed in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen will again become reactive to events that may change the geopolitical context in the region.

Many experts blame Israel's close ally, the United States, behind the incident. The helicopter that President Ibrahim Raisi was in was a US helicopter Bell Two One Two model. It was first developed by the American Bell Textron spacecraft manufacturer. In 1968, the Canadian Armed Forces first purchased this helicopter from the United States. The helicopter was of medium size and could seat 15 people including the pilot. However, after the Islamic revolution in 1979, the United States did not sell any such helicopters to Iran.

According to international media, the Bell Two One Two model helicopter had several accidents before this. A helicopter of this model suffered a fatal accident off the coast of the United Arab Emirates last year. Earlier, in 2018, four people lost their lives in a similar accident in Iran itself. Questions about the weakness of this American helicopter have also been raised on social media. Did Tehran know nothing about this vulnerability of helicopters? That question is also circulating. Many people are pointing to the fact that there is a domestic conspiracy behind it

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