Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Killed in Helicopter Crash

Former hardliner seen as potential successor to supreme leader dies at 63

Ultraconservative leader known for brutal crackdowns on political opposition

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has been killed in a helicopter crash, state media reported on Monday. The helicopter carrying the president came down in bad weather in southern Iran, killing all 16 people on board, according to the reports.

Raisi, 63, was a hard-line conservative who had been in power for less than two years. He was seen as a potential successor to the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Raisi's death is a major blow to Iran's hard-line leadership and is likely to lead to a power struggle within the regime. It is also a reminder of the dangers faced by Iranian leaders, who are often targeted by assassination attempts.

Raisi's death comes at a time of great tension between Iran and the West. Iran has been accused of supporting terrorism and developing nuclear weapons, and the United States has imposed severe sanctions on the country.

It is unclear how Raisi's death will affect the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the West. The talks have been stalled for months, and it is possible that Raisi's death could lead to a further delay.

Raisi's death is a major loss for Iran. He was a powerful leader who was seen as a potential successor to the supreme leader. His death is likely to lead to a power struggle within the regime and could have a major impact on Iran's nuclear negotiations with the West.