World
Iraqi security forces stand guard in front of a huge portrait of Iran's late president Ebrahim Raisi outside the Iranian embassy in Baghdad on May 20, 2024. Photo: AFP
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United States on Monday officially offered its condolences for the passing of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other members of his entourage killed in a helicopter crash the previous day, state department spokesperson said.
Mathew Miller said in a statement that Washington expresses its “official condolences” for the death of Raisi and other members of his delegation, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
The crash occurred in East Azerbaijan province in a mountainous area with dense fog and bad weather conditions after the delegation returned from the inauguration ceremony of a dam jointly built by Iran and Azerbaijan. The death of the officials was confirmed after rescue teams found the crashed chopper early Monday.
“As Iran selects a new president, we reaffirm our support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms,” Miller added.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday assigned Vice President Mohammed Mokhber to assume interim duties until a new election to replace Raisi is held within 50 days.
Iran and the US are arch-enemies, waging proxy wars in the Middle East. The October 7 attack by Hamas fighters on Israel and the ensuing Israeli relentless offensive on Gaza Strip have deteriorated Washington-Tehran thorny ties.
US interests have been targeted by pro-Iran militia groups in Iraq and Syria in recent years. In response, Washington carried out several deadly attacks on these groups.
Mathew Miller said in a statement that Washington expresses its “official condolences” for the death of Raisi and other members of his delegation, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
The crash occurred in East Azerbaijan province in a mountainous area with dense fog and bad weather conditions after the delegation returned from the inauguration ceremony of a dam jointly built by Iran and Azerbaijan. The death of the officials was confirmed after rescue teams found the crashed chopper early Monday.
“As Iran selects a new president, we reaffirm our support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms,” Miller added.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday assigned Vice President Mohammed Mokhber to assume interim duties until a new election to replace Raisi is held within 50 days.
Iran and the US are arch-enemies, waging proxy wars in the Middle East. The October 7 attack by Hamas fighters on Israel and the ensuing Israeli relentless offensive on Gaza Strip have deteriorated Washington-Tehran thorny ties.
US interests have been targeted by pro-Iran militia groups in Iraq and Syria in recent years. In response, Washington carried out several deadly attacks on these groups.
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